Ukraine Takes Delivery of Cluster Munitions from U.S., Promises Restricted Usage in Response to Concerns – National

Ukraine has recently received a shipment of cluster bombs from the United States, despite their ban in more than 100 countries. However, Ukrainian officials have assured that these weapons will only be used to dislodge concentrations of enemy soldiers. The arrival of these munitions was confirmed by Valeryi Shershen, a spokesman for the Tavria military district, following an announcement by his commander. The Pentagon has also acknowledged the shipment. Moscow has criticized the delivery, with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warning that Russia may respond by deploying similar weaponry.

Ukrainian officials argue that the deployment of cluster bombs is justified due to Russia’s extensive mining of the territories it has seized. Ukraine has launched a counter-offensive aimed at recapturing areas in the southeast and around the city of Bakhmut, which were taken by Russian forces in May. Shershen believes that the use of these munitions will demotivate the Russian occupying forces and shift the balance in favor of Ukrainian armed forces. He emphasizes that the weapons will be used strictly within legal parameters and solely for liberating Ukrainian territories.

During a NATO summit, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s assurances regarding the use of cluster munitions. It is important to note that cluster bombs release numerous small bomblets that can cause indiscriminate destruction over a large area and pose a long-term danger if not detonated. Both sides of the conflict have accused each other of using these weapons. Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. have not signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the production, stockpiling, use, and transfer of such weapons.

The decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine has faced opposition from Spain and Canada, while Britain has expressed disapproval based on a convention discouraging their use. Some U.S. Democratic lawmakers have also voiced concerns. Ukrainian military analyst Oleskander Musiyenko believes that these weapons will be utilized in the south, as announced by the area’s commander. He anticipates that cluster munitions will enhance the capabilities of Ukrainian troops by targeting and destroying enemy defense fortifications. Deputy Ukrainian Defense Minister Hanna Maliar has reported progress in the south, with enemy forces being forced to redeploy. However, Ukrainian troops have encountered challenges in the northern region near Bakhmut. According to Russian accounts, they have repelled 16 Ukrainian attacks in the eastern Donetsk region alone.

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