Ukraine will be able to level Russia's manpower advantage with cluster munitions - military expert

He said this on Espreso TV. 

"If we talk about cluster munitions, we may receive M864 cluster artillery shells. According to various sources, the United States has 4.7 million of these shells that they do not use. Imagine what kind of help it will be to the frontline when we start using this ammunition to knock the enemy out of the trenches. In this way, we will be able to offset the advantage the Russians have in personnel. I should note that about 400,000 Russian troops are fighting against us at the front in Ukraine. Accordingly, cluster munitions will be a very, very significant asset for us," the military expert said.

Serhiy Hrabskyi added that cluster munitions will enable the Ukrainian Armed Forces to save their strength and save the lives of Ukrainian servicemen, who are now conducting police operations to clear combat positions, literally digging the enemy out of every trench.

The background behind the decision to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions

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 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 currently 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.