Commander Oleksandr Tarnavsky of the Tavria operational-strategic grouping of forces announced on Thursday that Ukraine could potentially use cluster munitions to alter battlefield dynamics. This statement comes in light of the new $800 million military aid package awarded to Ukraine on July 7, which includes cluster munitions, Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles, shells for HIMARS and howitzers, as well as air defense ammunition.
U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed that while the U.S. recognizes the danger of cluster munitions, the decision to include them in the aid package was influenced by the usage of similar projectiles by the Russian army on Ukrainian soil. He highlighted the need for Ukraine to defend itself with comparable weapons. Sullivan also stated that he had received assurances from the Ukrainian side about the careful use of cluster munitions, intending to safeguard civilians.
As of February 10, 2022, 123 states have acceded to the International Convention Prohibiting the Use of Cluster Munitions, with 110 being State Parties and 13 being "signatories." However, significant producers and owners of cluster munitions, including the USA, Russia, China, have not signed the convention. Other nations refusing to accept the treaty, deeming cluster munitions an effective and necessary weapon, include India, Pakistan, Israel, South Korea, and Ukraine.
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