In a recent development, a Ukrainian general confirmed to CNN that Ukraine has received controversial cluster munitions from the United States.
This comes after President Joe Biden announced his decision to approve the transfer of these munitions to Ukraine, describing it as a “difficult decision.”
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As reported by SurgeZirc US, Brig. Gen. Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, the commander of the Tavria Joint Forces Operation, revealed in an interview with CNN’s Alex Marquardt that Ukraine has received the cluster munitions.
While they haven’t been used yet, Tarnavskyi expressed confidence that they have the potential to “radically change” the battlefield.
The arrival of the American cluster munitions had not been previously reported, adding a new layer of significance to the situation.
Tarnavskyi explained that senior leadership will decide on the specific areas where these munitions can be deployed, emphasizing that they are a powerful weapon.
However, Tarnavskyi also stressed the restrictions placed on the use of cluster munitions, stating that their deployment is prohibited in heavily populated areas, even if those areas are occupied by Russian forces.
The United States has sought written assurances from Ukraine that the munitions will not be used in civilian-populated regions.
The intention is to carefully monitor their use for future de-mining operations.
The news of Ukraine receiving these cluster munitions has drawn attention and raised concerns.
Tarnavskyi highlighted that the possession of these munitions provides Ukraine with an advantage, causing the enemy to rethink its strategy and potentially abandon certain areas on the battlefield.
The decision to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions was made due to Kyiv’s low supply of standard artillery rounds.
The supply of these clusters is deemed “temporary” by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
However, no specific timeline was given regarding when the assistance with cluster munitions would cease.
Cluster munitions have long been a subject of controversy due to their indiscriminate nature and the risk they pose to civilians.
These munitions consist of canisters that release numerous smaller bomblets over a wide area.
The bomblets are designed to explode on or near the ground, causing shrapnel to neutralize troops or armored vehicles.
While over 100 nations have banned the use of cluster munitions, citing their potential harm to non-combatants, Russia has deployed these munitions during its invasion of Ukraine.
The arrival of cluster munitions in Ukraine raises concerns about their impact on the ongoing conflict and the potential humanitarian consequences.
The situation continues to evolve as Ukraine determines the appropriate deployment of these munitions, and the international community closely watches the developments and repercussions of this decision.
