Ukraine receives cluster munitions from US – General Tarnavskyi

He told CNN about this.

"We just got them, we haven't used them yet, but they can radically change [the battlefield]," the general said. 

"The enemy also understands that with getting this ammunition, we will have an advantage," he added. 

Senior leadership will decide on the "areas of territory where it can be used," Tarnavskyi said, noting that “this is a very powerful weapon.”

According to him, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will adhere to restrictions on the use of these shells, namely, they will not use them in densely populated areas, even if they are occupied by Russian troops.

Supply of cluster munitions to 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.