The United States announced on Friday, July 8, 2023, that it would be supplying cluster bombs to Ukraine as part of a new $800 million military aid package. The decision was made after months of debate within the Biden administration, as cluster bombs are banned by over 100 countries, including key US allies.
Cluster bombs are a type of weapon that disperses submunitions over a wide area. These submunitions can be either explosive or non-explosive, and they can pose a serious hazard to civilians, as they can fail to detonate on impact and remain as unexploded ordnance.
The Biden administration argued that the decision to supply cluster bombs to Ukraine was necessary to help the country defend itself against Russia. The administration also said that the US cluster bombs have a much lower dud rate than those used by Russia, and that Ukraine has provided assurances that it will use the weapons in a careful way aimed at minimizing risks to civilians.
The decision to supply cluster bombs to Ukraine has been met with mixed reactions. Some human rights groups have criticized the decision, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent and could lead to more civilian casualties. Others have defended the decision, arguing that it is necessary to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia.
The US decision to supply cluster bombs to Ukraine is a significant one, as it could have implications for the future of the use of these weapons. It remains to be seen how the decision will be received by other countries, and whether it will lead to a change in the international consensus on cluster bombs.
In addition to the cluster bombs, the new $800 million military aid package for Ukraine also includes artillery shells, armored vehicles, and other equipment. The package is intended to help Ukraine continue its counteroffensive against Russia and to replenish its dwindling stocks of ammunition.
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