Former NATO chief slams use of cluster munitions as 'reckless'
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Russia has recently stated that although it has not yet used cluster munitions, it will respond in kind if it is subjected to any.
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Former NATO chief Javier Solana in Toledo, Spain, in June 2018 (EPA)
According to former NATO Secretary General Javier Solana, the usage of cluster bombs is "reckless".
EFE news reported that the former Secretary-General stated on Tuesday that it is "very important" for dialogue to take place between Ukraine and Russia.
Solana added that the dialogue did not have to necessarily take place in public, however, the only interaction between the two cannot only be bullets.
When asked about the use of cluster bombs, Solana expressed that he thinks they are "reckless" to use at the present time.
The United States recently announced new military aid, including cluster munitions, to "assist Ukraine", causing wide criticism from NGOs and embarrassment for some European nations.
The #UnitedStates has confirmed its compliance with a #Ukrainian request to provide the country with cluster munitions, a decision slapped by a backlash and criticism from human rights organizations due to the weapon being prohibited by over 100 countries. pic.twitter.com/MXl4tX2xJZ
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) July 10, 2023
Russia already warned the US against sending the cluster munitions to Ukraine, and Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia argued it would count as a bigger step toward escalating the conflict.
Late last month, the US military said despite it being banned by most countries, supplying Ukraine with cluster bombs could be useful against Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia has not yet used cluster munitions, adding that if such weaponry is used against Russian forces; Moscow reserves the right to respond in kind.
