Ambiguous reactions to the Pentagon’s decision to transfer cluster munitions to Ukraine

The decision by the United States to transfer cluster munitions to Ukraine has sparked mixed reactions from the international community.

Last week, the Pentagon announced another package of military aid to Ukraine worth 800 million dollars.

As part of this assistance, U.S. authorities plan to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions for use on its territory against the Russian army. This decision has elicited mixed reactions from U.S. allies. Some countries have expressed concern over the use of banned munitions in this war. In particular, the German authorities opposed the transfer of cluster bombs to Ukraine.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also criticized this decision. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, called the U.S. decision to transfer cluster munitions to Ukraine “adding fuel to the fire.” She noted that “the irresponsible transfer of cluster munitions could lead to humanitarian problems.”

At the same time, U.S. officials pointed out that Russia has used cluster bombs since the beginning of the war to attack Ukraine, and now Ukraine “needs the same weapons to defend its territory.”

U.S. authorities emphasized that Ukraine will be accountable to the U.S. for the use of cluster bombs, which it has committed to using on its territory while minimizing risks to its own population.

Military experts believe that the use of these types of bombs can be very dangerous for civilians, as a cluster shell explodes in the air, releasing dozens or hundreds of smaller bombs capable of covering vast areas.

More than 130 countries have signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the use and transfer of this type of weapon.

In particular, some U.S. allies have stated that despite their support for Ukraine in the war against Russia, they categorically disagree with the transfer of cluster bombs and their use on Ukrainian territory.