Zelensky: Cluster munitions can save Ukraine

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
13 Jul 2023 08:41

The Pentagon seems to be eager to unload cluster bombs due to their ban in many countries, according to a former Pentagon analyst and Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

US President Joe Biden in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Vilnius on July 12, 2023 (AFP)

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced today that Ukraine was counting on the delivery of cluster munitions from the United States.

"This decision will help us to save us … We really counted on it," Zelenskyy said at the NATO summit in Vilnius.

Cluster bombs are prohibited under the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), an international convention that, through a categorical prohibition and a framework for action, tackles the humanitarian repercussions and unacceptable harm inflicted on civilians by cluster munitions.

On July 7th, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed that although the decision was "difficult to make", US leader Joe Biden ultimately decided to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions for its counteroffensive after consulting with allies and lawmakers.

During a press briefing, Sullivan said: "It's a difficult decision...There was a unanimous recommendation from the national security team, and President Biden ultimately decided, in consultation with allies and partners and in consultation with members of Congress, to move forward on this step".

Just hours before, humanitarian organizations condemned the initial plans to supply the cluster munitions after citing the long-lasting threat posed by them since they leave behind unexploded bomblets.

Earlier this week, former Pentagon analyst and Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Karen Kwiatkowski, has criticized the US decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine, stating that the Pentagon is eager to unload them due to their ban in many countries. Kwiatkowski believes that the Pentagon's interest lies in clearing old inventory to make way for more profitable weapons.

Cluster bombs are seen as a tactic to freeze off land areas, disrupt transportation lines, and establish new borders in the later stages of traditional land battles. She expressed concerns about Ukraine's track record of restraint and accountability with other weapons systems supplied by the US and its allies. Kwiatkowski also pointed out the double standards in Western media's portrayal of cluster bomb usage.