1 cluster munition replaces 10 to 15 conventional ones - military expert Zgurets

Serhiy Zgurets, Defense Express CEO and military expert, shared the information on Espreso TV.

"We are primarily interested in 155 mm artillery ammunition. One such ammunition is filled with 88 submunitions, which allow destroying enemy manpower and armored vehicles within 300 square meters. According to estimates, one such ammunition replaces 10 to 15 conventional ammunition and makes it more effective and less stressful on the muzzle resource," he emphasized.

The expert noted that such ammunition is of major interest to Ukraine. The US and Europe have about 3 million shells in stockpiles. This is a colossal amount, considering that during the entire period of hostilities, the Americans provided Ukraine with about 2 million rounds of ammunition.

"These cluster munitions can last at least 3 to 4 months of intense fighting," added Zgurets.

Supply of cluster munitions to Ukraine

The 2008 pact, known as the Convention on Cluster Munitions, was adopted by 123 countries, including a majority of the 28 NATO members. However, countries such as the United States, Russia, and Ukraine did not become parties to the convention. It is important to note that Russia is actively using cluster munitions in the war against Ukraine.

In December 2022, Ukraine asked the United States to provide it with cluster munitions for MLRS and artillery shells. At the time, the administration of US President Joe Biden was not ready to fulfill this request and was considering it.

In February 2023, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called on Western allies to provide the country with cluster munitions.

Following Ukraine's initial request to the United States for cluster munitions, there was an expansion of the appeal. Kyiv specifically asked Washington for MK-20 aircraft cluster bombs with the intention of modifying them for use with drones. It was revealed that there was some level of support for Ukraine's request within the US Congress. However, the Biden administration strongly opposed the proposal due to the international treaty banning cluster munitions that was established in 2008.

Human Rights Watch has called on the Biden administration not to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions, warning of the danger to civilians.

The Pentagon said it was considering providing Ukraine with cluster munitions.