President Joe Biden defended his decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine, stating that it was a difficult but necessary choice. The administration believes that these weapons will be crucial in the fight and has received assurances from Ukraine that they will use them responsibly.
The decision has sparked questions from NATO allies, as more than two-thirds of alliance members have banned cluster munitions due to their history of causing civilian casualties. Biden explained that he carefully considered the Defense Department’s recommendation and consulted with allies and lawmakers before making the final decision.
Reactions to the move have been mixed in Congress, with some Democrats criticizing the plan and some Republicans supporting it. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Biden on Twitter, stating that the aid package will bring Ukraine closer to victory and democracy.
Cluster munitions are seen as a way to provide Ukraine with much-needed ammunition to push through Russian front lines. The U.S. will be sending a version of these munitions with a reduced “dud rate” to minimize the risk of unexploded bomblets causing harm. The exact number of munitions to be sent has not been specified.
While acknowledging the risk of civilian harm from unexploded ordnance, U.S. officials argue that the risk of Russian troops advancing and subjugating Ukrainian civilians is even greater. The goal is to ensure that Ukraine has the resources to defend itself and deter Russian aggression.
The U.S. has received written assurances from Ukraine that the munitions will not be used in urban areas populated by civilians, and there will be careful accounting of their use. Allies have also expressed understanding for the decision, recognizing the difference between Russia using cluster munitions offensively and Ukraine using them defensively.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has raised concerns about the failure rate of cluster bomblets, but U.S. officials state that the munitions to be provided to Ukraine have a low dud rate. The cluster bombs are part of an $800 million package of military aid that also includes armored vehicles and various ammunition.
By providing cluster munitions, the U.S. also alleviates pressure on its own ammunition stockpiles. The U.S. has been sending large quantities of rounds to Ukraine, which raises concerns about depleting American supplies. The cluster munitions will allow Ukraine to strike more targets using fewer rounds.
Reactions from NATO allies have been muted, with the alliance emphasizing that it does not take a position on cluster munitions. Germany, which has signed the ban treaty, will not provide the bombs to Ukraine but understands the American position.
Ukrainian officials have expressed the need for more weapons, noting that they have had to disable mines from territory retaken from Russia. They will also ensure the safe disposal of unexploded ordnance from cluster munitions.
The U.S. has previously used cluster bombs during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and considered them a key weapon in the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. The coalition dropped over 1,500 cluster bombs in Afghanistan during the first three years of the conflict.
Overall, Biden’s decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine has sparked debate and mixed reactions. While the move aims to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities, concerns about civilian harm and the long-term consequences remain.
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