International Concern Mounts as US Supplies Cluster Bombs to Ukraine

 

In a controversial move, the United States has confirmed that it will be supplying cluster bombs to Ukraine, a decision that has garnered unease and opposition from several US allies. President Joe Biden referred to it as a "very difficult decision," while allies such as the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Spain expressed their opposition to the use of these weapons.

Cluster bombs have been banned by over 100 countries due to the significant threat they pose to civilian lives. These munitions release numerous smaller bomblets that can cause indiscriminate casualties over a wide area. Additionally, unexploded bomblets can remain on the ground for years, posing a threat long after the conflict has ended.

President Biden stated that he consulted with allies regarding the decision, which is part of a military aid package worth $800 million. He justified the move by highlighting that Ukraine is running out of ammunition.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have criticized the decision, stressing that cluster munitions pose a grave threat to civilian lives. Allies of the US, including the UK and New Zealand, pointed out that they are signatories to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the production and use of these weapons.

Spain's Defence Minister emphasized her country's commitment to preventing certain weapons and bombs, including cluster bombs, from being sent to Ukraine. Canada also expressed concern about the potential impact of cluster bombs, particularly on children, and reaffirmed its commitment to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

Germany, while not providing such weapons to Ukraine, acknowledged the reasoning behind the US decision. They believed that the US made the decision after careful consideration.

Ukraine's defence minister assured that the cluster bombs would be used exclusively to break through enemy defense lines and not in urban areas.

Critics argue that cluster bombs will have a long-lasting effect on the Ukrainian landscape and civilian populations. The UN human rights office and various international civil society campaigns have called for an immediate halt to the use of cluster munitions.

Russia condemned the US decision, despite its own extensive use of cluster munitions against Ukraine. They argued that the use of these weapons would have a lasting impact on the land.

While opinions on the decision remain divided, the US move to supply cluster bombs to Ukraine aims to provide the country with additional firepower to confront Russian forces in the ongoing conflict.