US President Joe Biden has faced criticism and defended his decision to provide Ukraine with cluster bombs, a weapon with a history of causing civilian casualties. The move comes as Ukraine faces ammunition shortages in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Cluster bombs are banned by over 120 countries, but both Russia and Ukraine have used them during the war
. The decision has been met with opposition from human rights groups and some Democrats, while a Moscow envoy criticized the “cynicism” of the US. President Biden acknowledged the risks associated with cluster munitions but cited the need to support Ukraine’s defense. The acquisition of these weapons will bypass US laws restricting their use, production, or transfer with a failure rate exceeding 1%.
The decision has further intensified the proxy war between the US and Russia, with President Putin accusing the US of fueling the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for the military aid package, while critics argue that cluster munitions pose a significant threat to civilian lives and should not be used. The decision has sparked mixed reactions among US lawmakers, with some Democrats calling it a mistake while others support it as a means to assist Ukraine.
The international community, including NATO, has taken varied positions on cluster munitions, with Germany expressing understanding for the US decision but stating it would not provide such ammunition to Ukraine. The use of cluster munitions in the conflict has resulted in civilian casualties on both sides, and human rights organizations are calling for an end to their use.