Ukraine readies US cluster munitions for frontline use – military commander

Ukrainian Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed this in an interview with the BBC.

The commander of the 57th Brigade, Oleksandr Bakulin, also spoke about cluster munitions. He noted that they are needed to inflict maximum damage on enemy infantry.

"The more infantrymen die here, the more questions their relatives will have for the Russian government," he said.

However, Bakulin notes that cluster munitions will not solve all the problems on the battlefield. He also admits that this is a controversial weapon.

"If the Russians had not used it, perhaps our conscience would not have allowed us to," he summarized.

In addition, the United States has also supplied Ukraine with M777 howitzers, which have already been seen in action at positions around Bakhmut. According to Syrskyi, the city's return is not only symbolic but also strategic as "a gateway to other key cities in the region."

"Our people are waiting for victories. They need even small victories," the colonel general summarized.

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 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, media reported that the administration of US President Joe Biden is seriously considering the possibility of sending Ukraine cluster munitions, the use of which is controversial.

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

German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock said that Germany is against sending cluster munitions to Ukraine.

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.

On July 7, the United States announced the transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine.

On July 13, General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, commander of the Tavria operational and strategic grouping, confirmed that Ukraine had received cluster munitions from the US. 

On July 16, Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to retaliate if Ukraine used cluster munitions.