Ukraine receives cluster bombs: Will there be a responsible deployment?
- IndiaGlitz, [Friday,July 14 2023]
Ukraine recently received a shipment of cluster bombs from the United States, but they assured the world that these weapons would only be used to disrupt enemy soldiers' concentrations. Even though cluster munitions are illegal in many countries, Ukraine, Russia, and the United States have not signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which says that these weapons can't be used, made, stored, or sent to other countries.
Valeryi Shershen, a spokesperson for Tavria's southern military district, confirmed that the cluster bombs had arrived, following the announcement by the US and the Pentagon. However, Russia strongly condemned the shipment, and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu even threatened to deploy similar weapons if Ukraine uses them.
Ukrainian officials justified the use of cluster bombs due to the vast mined areas seized by Russia. They believe that these weapons will demotivate the Russian occupying forces and tip the scales in favor of the Ukrainian armed forces. It's important to note that Ukraine claims they will strictly adhere to legal frameworks and only use the cluster bombs for de-occupation purposes, concentrating on areas where Russian military forces are present to break through enemy defenses.
President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine's commitment to responsible use of cluster munitions during a NATO summit. Both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of using cluster bombs since the war began in February 2022, following Russia's invasion.