KYIV (Reuters) – In a move to help Ukraine reclaim its territory from occupying Russian forces, the U.S. has decided to send cluster bombs to Kyiv, a decision that has been welcomed by Ukraine’s Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov. However, Reznikov has made it clear that these munitions will not be used in Russia.
The U.S. made an announcement on Friday regarding the supply of widely banned cluster munitions to Ukraine for its counteroffensive efforts. Reznikov expressed gratitude for this support, stating that it will aid in saving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. He also emphasized that Ukraine will maintain a strict record of their use and exchange information with its partners.
Taking to Twitter, Reznikov wrote, “Our position is simple – we need to liberate our temporarily occupied territories and save the lives of our people. Ukraine will use these munitions only for the de-occupation of our internationally recognized territories. These munitions will not be used on the officially recognized territory of Russia.”
Cluster munitions are outlawed by over 100 countries due to their indiscriminate killing capabilities and long-lasting danger posed by unexploded ordnance. Jake Sullivan, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, addressed concerns about civilian harm and highlighted the urgency of providing arms to Ukraine to regain the territory seized since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
While acknowledging the risks associated with cluster munitions, Sullivan explained, “But there is also a massive risk of civilian harm if Russian troops and tanks roll over Ukrainian positions and take more Ukrainian territory and subjugate more Ukrainian civilians because Ukraine does not have enough artillery.”
To address concerns about civilian safety, Reznikov assured that the cluster munitions would not be used in urban areas but rather only “to break through the enemy defense lines.”
It’s worth noting that Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have not signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the production, stockpiling, use, and transfer of these weapons. Opposition to the U.S.’s decision was voiced by Spain, a signatory to the convention. Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles stated firmly at a Madrid rally on Saturday that certain weapons and bombs cannot be delivered to Ukraine under any circumstances.
Similarly, as a signatory to the convention, Britain also disapproves of the use of cluster munitions. “We will continue to do our part to support Ukraine against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak affirmed during a press briefing on Saturday.
(Reporting by Olena Harmash; Editing by Ros Russell)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
