Reznikov explains how Ukraine plans to use US cluster munitions

He wrote about this on Twitter. 

According to Reznikov, these principles will significantly help the Armed Forces in de-occupying the territories seized by Russia and saving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.

"I would like to stress that in exercising our inalienable right to self-defense we will continue to strictly comply with all the international humanitarian conventions signed and ratified by Ukraine," he wrote. 

He also noted that Ukraine's goal is to inflict maximum losses on the Russian forces in order to save more lives of Ukrainian citizens.

"The more losses we inflict on them, the more lives of Ukrainians we can save. It is in our interest to save the lives of our soldiers. That's why we will continue to do so, using all the deadly weapons we have," Reznikov emphasized.

According to the minister, there are five main principles that Ukraine will adhere to when using cluster munitions:

• Ukraine will use these munitions only for the de-occupation of its internationally recognised territories. These munitions will not be used in the officially recognized territory of Russia.

• Ukraine will not be using cluster munitions in urban areas (cities) to avoid the risks for the civilian population - these are our people, they are Ukrainians we have a duty to protect. 

• Ukraine will keep a strict record of the use of these weapons and the local zones where they will be used.

• Based on these records, after the de-occupation of the territories and the victory these territories will be prioritized for the purposes of demining. 

• Ukraine will report to its partners about the use of these munitions, and about their efficiency to ensure the appropriate standard of transparent reporting and control.

"I personally informed our American partners in writing about these five principles," Reznikov said.

The background behind the decision to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions

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 as cluster munitions are banned by a 2008 international treaty.

Later, four members of the US Congress from the Republican Party called on the US President to send cluster munitions to Ukraine.

On June 30, it became known that the United States was close to agreeing to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions.

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

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock opposes the supply of cluster munitions to Ukraine, which is being considered by the White House.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg commented on the potential supply of cluster munitions to Kyiv, noting that Ukraine is defending itself in an aggressive war.

The UN Human Rights Office in Geneva has responded to reports that the United States may provide cluster munitions to Ukraine by opposing such supplies.

Western media, citing their sources, report that the United States will begin to ship cluster munitions to Ukraine.