- July 8, 2023
- Posted by: legaleseblogger
- Category: Related News
President Zelensky expressed his gratitude towards the United States for their agreement to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine. This specific weapon has been banned by over 100 countries across the globe due to its destructive nature. However, Ukraine has been actively pushing for these artillery shells, which have the capability to drop multiple explosives simultaneously, to aid in their counter offensive against Russian forces.
Cluster bombs have been in use by Russia since the beginning of the war, making it imperative for Ukraine to acquire them as well to level the playing field. These weapons have sparked concerns from human rights groups who argue that they result in indiscriminate killings, and the unexploded devices pose a long-term threat to civilians. The danger presented by these unexploded bombs can persist for many years, even after active conflicts have concluded.
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President Zielinski of Ukraine has expressed his gratitude towards the United States for agreeing to supply cluster bombs to Ukraine. Despite being banned by over 100 countries, Ukraine believes that these artillery shells, which release multiple explosives, will aid in their counter-offensive against Russian forces.
According to human rights groups, Russia has been utilizing cluster bombs since the beginning of the war. The use of these weapons is highly controversial, as they have been proven to cause indiscriminate casualties and pose a long-term threat to civilians due to unexploded devices. In Keith Ukraine, where the counter-offensive has been ongoing for a month, progress has been slower than anticipated. Shortages of ammunition and the presence of entrenched Russian defensive positions has led to mounting pressure on Ukraine’s Western allies to provide more weapons, including cluster munitions.
The decision by Washington to supply cluster munitions has stirred both support and opposition. While Russia has been employing cluster munitions to attack Ukraine throughout the conflict, Ukraine argues that they should have the right to use these weapons for their own self-defense on their sovereign territory. However, opponents argue that the transfer of cluster munitions goes against international law and will result in harm to civilians. The lack of support from Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia for the convention banning cluster munitions adds fuel to the controversy.
Last year, over 50 civilians, mostly women and children seeking refuge from the conflict, were killed in a Russian attack on a railway station in Crimea. This attack was strongly believed to involve the use of cluster munitions. Ukrainian defense officials assert that cluster munitions could be a game-changer in breaking through Russian defenses. Nonetheless, the decision to provide these munitions has stirred divisions within Washington and among allies supplying weaponry to Ukraine. Concerns have been raised about potential cracks in NATO’s unity regarding cluster ammunition.
President Zielinski has been actively seeking support for Ukraine at various diplomatic engagements, including visits to Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Turkey, ahead of the crucial NATO Summit in Lithuania. Demand for membership and increased weapons support has been made by Ukraine throughout the conflict. While Western weapons have been crucial for Ukraine’s defense, there has been frustration over the delay in their arrival.
In Washington, President Zielinski’s happiness over the U.S. agreement to supply cluster bombs has been met with controversy. As the use of cluster bombs is banned in many NATO member countries, including two-thirds of them, the U.S. has faced pressure to justify its decision. By highlighting the difficulties in producing enough standard shells in a timely manner, the U.S. has convinced its allies that this is the right move. Assurances from Ukraine that the cluster bombs will not be used in urban areas and that steps will be taken to clean up after the war have placated some concerns. However, campaigners against cluster munitions remain skeptical. Despite some criticism from certain countries like Germany, the coalition appears to remain united on this issue. Resistance from Congress in the U.S. has also been overcome, with support from Republicans and only a few Democrats expressing opposition. This diplomatic process has been lengthy, but the U.S. seems to have reached a point where it can supply cluster bombs without causing division within the coalition standing against Russia.
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