Pentagon: Ukraine received cluster munitions

Ukraine received cluster munitions allocated as part of a new US military aid package. This was reported by a representative of the US Ministry of Defense.

Alexander Tarnavskyi, the commander of the Tavria operational-strategic troop group, said earlier on Thursday that Ukraine has not yet used cluster munitions, but “they can fundamentally change the situation on the battlefield.”

A new military aid package worth 800 million dollars was allocated to Ukraine on July 7. In addition to cluster ammunition, it included Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles, shells for HIMARS and howitzers, ammunition for air defense.

The National Security Adviser of the US President, Jake Sullivan, then stated that the US understands the dangers of cluster munitions, and therefore hesitated for a long time to make this decision. However, since the Russian army already uses similar shells on the territory of Ukraine, Ukraine should be able to defend itself with comparable weapons.

He also reported that he had received assurances from the Ukrainian side about the “maximum caution” in the use of cluster munitions and the desire to ensure the safety of civilians.

• As of February 10, 2022, a total of 123 states have joined the international convention prohibiting the use of cluster munitions. 110 of them are participating states, 13 are “signatories”.
• The largest manufacturers and owners of cluster munitions – the USA, Russia, China – did not sign the convention. India, Pakistan, Israel, South Korea, and Ukraine also refused to accept the treaty, considering it an effective and necessary weapon.