21-7-2023 (WASHINGTON) The White House has officially confirmed that Ukraine is deploying US cluster bombs against Russian forces within the country. National Security Spokesman John Kirby revealed that initial feedback indicated the bombs were being used “effectively” on Russian defensive positions and operations.
Cluster bombs are highly controversial due to their potential threat to civilians, leading to a ban by over 100 states. Nevertheless, the US agreed to supply them to Ukraine to bolster its ammunition reserves amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Ukrainian authorities have assured that the cluster bombs will only be utilized to target concentrations of Russian enemy soldiers. Mr. Kirby stated that they are being employed appropriately and with a significant impact on Russia’s defensive formations and maneuvers.
The decision to provide cluster bombs came after Ukraine expressed concerns about depleting ammunition during its summer counter-offensive, which has proven to be slower and costlier than expected. President Joe Biden described the decision as “very difficult,” while some US allies, including the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Spain, opposed the use of these weapons.
Most of the cluster bombs supplied are artillery shells with a low “dud rate” of below 2.35%. Dud rate refers to the percentage of bomblets that fail to detonate immediately, posing long-term threats in the affected areas.
These weapons have proven effective against troops in trenches and fortified positions, creating hazardous zones that remain impassable until cleared.
Russia has also employed similar cluster bombs in Ukraine during its full-scale invasion, even in civilian areas.
Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the US decision, asserting that his country possesses similar weapons and would use them in response if they were deployed against Russia.
Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Ukrainian general overseeing operations in the country’s east, recently stated in an interview with the BBC that his forces required these weapons to maximize the damage inflicted on enemy infantry. He emphasized the desire for swift results in the conflict but acknowledged its challenging nature.
He also recognized the controversy surrounding the use of cluster bombs but stressed the context of their deployment in response to Russian actions. While these weapons may not solve all the problems, the Ukrainian military believes they can exert pressure on Russia and protect their interests in the conflict.
