- July 7, 2023
- Posted by: legaleseblogger
- Category: Related News
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By Madeline Halpert
BBC News, New York
7 July 2023, 13:29 BST
Updated 20 minutes ago
US to Send Cluster Munitions to Ukraine
The US government has announced its decision to send Ukraine a package of cluster munitions to aid in its counteroffensive against Russia. This decision was made despite the risks associated with these weapons, including the potential harm to civilians due to unexploded ordnance. Ukraine has been requesting these weapons for several months due to an ammunition shortage.
Cluster munitions, which are prohibited in more than 100 countries, are a type of weapon that contains multiple explosive bomblets known as submunitions.
The White House National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, stated during a White House briefing that Ukraine has committed to post-conflict demining efforts to minimize harm to civilians. Such efforts will be necessary regardless of whether the United States supplies these munitions or not. Sullivan emphasized that Ukraine is defending its own country and not using the munitions on foreign soil.
Ukraine is facing an artillery shortage and requires a sustained supply while the US increases its domestic production. Sullivan assured that Ukraine will not be defenseless in the ongoing conflict.
Challenges and Controversies Surrounding Cluster Munitions
The supply of cluster munitions has been a subject of hesitation for US officials due to the indiscriminate nature of these weapons, which can cause harm over a wide area and pose a threat to civilians. The US possesses a stockpile of cluster bombs, which were initially developed during World War II. Video evidence of cluster munition explosions demonstrates their destructive capabilities.
One of the main concerns regarding the use of cluster munitions is their high failure or “dud” rates, resulting in unexploded bomblets remaining on the ground for years and potentially detonating later. US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, stated that American cluster munitions have a dud rate below 2.5%, significantly lower than the dud rate of Russia’s cluster munitions, which US officials estimate to be between 30-40%.
US law prohibits the transfer of cluster munitions with bomblet failure rates higher than 1%, but President Joe Biden has the authority to bypass this rule. It has been noted that Russia has already been using cluster bombs in Ukraine with even higher failure rates. Although Ukraine has denied using them, a United Nations investigation suggests otherwise.
The Aid Package and Calls for Restraint
US officials are planning to send artillery shells to Ukraine, with each shell containing 88 individual bomblets. These shells would be deployed using Howitzer artillery weapons already in use by the Ukrainian army. The aid package also includes Bradley and Stryker fighting vehicles, air defense missiles, and anti-mine equipment.
Human rights groups have urged both Russia and Ukraine to refrain from using cluster munitions, while also calling upon the US not to supply them. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has reiterated its call to immediately halt the use of cluster bombs due to their dangerous nature. These weapons scatter small bomblets over a wide area, many of which fail to explode immediately, posing long-term risks to civilians.
Some US lawmakers have also voiced their concerns, arguing that the humanitarian costs outweigh the benefits of using cluster bombs in the battlefield. Laura Cooper, an official from the Defense Department, informed Congress that military analysts believe cluster bombs would be particularly useful against entrenched Russian positions.
AI Legalese Decoder: Assisting in Understanding Complex Legal Language
In this complex and sensitive context, the AI Legalese Decoder can play a crucial role in helping individuals and organizations navigate the legal aspects of the situation. It can provide accurate and simplified interpretations of legal language, including international treaties and agreements that pertain to the use of cluster munitions. By breaking down the legal jargon, the AI Legalese Decoder can empower users to better understand the legal implications and controversies surrounding the supply and use of cluster munitions in Ukraine.
Additionally, the AI Legalese Decoder can help individuals and organizations assess the potential humanitarian consequences and legal obligations related to the transfer and use of cluster munitions. By providing clear explanations and summaries of relevant legal principles, it can enable users to make informed decisions and engage in informed discussions regarding the ethical and legal dimensions of this issue.
In conclusion, the decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine has sparked debates and concerns regarding their impact on civilians and compliance with international norms. The AI Legalese Decoder can serve as a valuable tool in understanding the legal complexities surrounding this issue, empowering individuals and organizations to navigate the debate and make well-informed decisions.
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