In an interview aired on CNN, Ukrainian General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi expressed his belief that the cluster munitions provided by the United States could greatly impact the battlefield. Tarnavskyi, speaking through a translator, stated, “We just received them and have not yet utilized them. However, they have the potential to significantly alter the course of the battle.”
Tarnavskyi further emphasized that the enemy forces are also aware that these munitions will give the Ukrainian Army an advantage.
The Pentagon confirmed the arrival of cluster munitions in Ukraine on Thursday.
President Biden justified the controversial decision to supply Ukraine with these weapons as crucial support for their counteroffensive against Russian troops.
Tarnavskyi admitted that the operation has not been as successful as they had hoped, and that they are currently facing a shortage of artillery munitions.
“The counteroffensive is yielding results, but not to the extent that we would like,” Tarnavskyi revealed during the interview. “The enemy has laid out dense and complex minefields in areas where our equipment and personnel need to pass.”
It is worth noting that cluster munitions are banned in more than 100 countries, but not in the United States, Russia, or Ukraine. These weapons consist of bomblets that disperse and explode over a wide area, effectively targeting a large number of enemy soldiers but also posing a threat to civilians.
President Biden has faced opposition from lawmakers across party lines and human rights activists who are concerned about the risk these bombs pose to civilians, both during and long after conflicts, as unexploded bombs can remain active underground for extended periods.
CNN reported that Tarnavskyi expressed hope that Russian forces would abandon areas where cluster munitions are most effective. He also reassured that these weapons would only be used in remote areas away from civilians and with the approval of senior military leaders.
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