Human rights organizations and some NATO allies have denounced the United States’ decision to supply cluster bombs to Ukraine. In order to protect civilians, more than 100 nations have outlawed cluster bombs. Which disperse smaller bomblets over a large area.
The United States’ decision to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine comes at a time when the country is facing a Russian invasion. The US government has argued that the weapons are necessary to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia. But critics have said that they will only lead to more civilian casualties.
“This is a deeply troubling decision,” said Steve Goose, arms director at Human Rights Watch. “Cluster bombs are indiscriminate weapons that kill and maim indiscriminately. They have no place in the 21st century.”
The UN Convention on Cluster Munitions, which was adopted in 2008, prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster bombs. More than 100 nations have ratified the treaty. But the United States, Russia, and Ukraine are among those that have not.
Some NATO allies have also rebuked the US for supplying cluster bombs to Ukraine. Germany, for example, has said that it will not provide cluster bombs to Ukraine.
“We believe that cluster munitions are unacceptable weapons,” said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. “We will not provide them to Ukraine.”
The US decision is controversial, and it is likely to be met with further criticism. The weapons are indiscriminate and pose a serious risk to civilians. And their use could further prolong the conflict in Ukraine.
In addition to the ethical concerns, there are also practical reasons why the US should not provide cluster bombs to Ukraine. Cluster bombs are notoriously inaccurate, and they often fail to explode on impact. This means that they can leave behind a dangerous legacy of unexploded ordnance, which can pose a threat to civilians for years after a conflict ends.
The US should reconsider its decision to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine. These weapons are indiscriminate and pose a serious risk to civilians. There are better ways to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia.