The decision made by the US this week to supply cluster munitions to Ukraine has been met with disappointment and concern by former Canadian foreign affairs minister Lloyd Axworthy. Axworthy, who currently chairs the World Refugee and Migration Council, described the decision as “a little bit insulting” and highlighted the potential risks and consequences associated with the use of these weapons. Cluster munitions release smaller explosives in the air, with some failing to detonate on impact and becoming buried in the ground, posing a long-term risk to civilians. Axworthy expressed concern that this could be a lasting legacy for Ukraine, endangering its own people.
Canada, known for its opposition to cluster munitions, has also voiced its disagreement with the US decision. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly reiterated Canada’s position against the use of these weapons, emphasizing their commitment to international obligations. Canada played a key role in the creation of the Ottawa Treaty in 1997, which banned anti-personnel mines and was signed by over 130 countries, including Ukraine. Furthermore, Canada became a state party of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in 2015, reinforcing its opposition to these weapons. However, Ukraine, Russia, and the United States have not signed this treaty.
David Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, raised questions about Ukraine’s need for cluster munitions and the limitations of conventional artillery supplies. He argued that if Canada criticizes the US for providing these weapons, it should also consider its own contribution to Ukraine’s conventional ammunition needs. Perry highlighted Canada’s capabilities in producing artillery shells and suggested that more could be done in this regard.
Canada has already provided military support to Ukraine, including the donation of artillery canons and training on their use. The Canadian government claims to have donated over 40,000 155mm shells for the canons, valued at more than $60 million. Additionally, Canada has committed $1 billion in military support to Ukraine. As Ukraine faces an ongoing Russian offensive, the EU has announced a plan to subsidize the production of 155mm ammunition to help replenish Ukraine’s stockpiles.
Despite concerns about the use of cluster munitions, Perry believes that Ukraine will not lose moral standing among its allies due to the brutal nature of Russia’s actions. Russia’s involvement has already resulted in severe contamination of Ukraine with mines and explosive remnants of war. The UN has reported the removal of over 540,000 unexploded ordnances in Ukraine, with a World Bank estimate suggesting that fully demining the country could cost $37 billion.
Axworthy argues that Canada has a moral responsibility to advocate for the prohibition of mines and similar explosives in warfare. He believes that Canada should continue to be a steward of international rules and laws that aim to prevent governments from using destructive weapons recklessly.
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