Why the US providing cluster bombs to Ukraine is so controversial

The decision of the United States to provide Ukraine with cluster bombs has sparked widespread unease and raised concerns among several of its allies.

The controversial move was met with opposition, especially from Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Spain. These countries have expressed their disapproval of the use of these weapons.

Cluster bombs have been banned by more than 100 countries due to their indiscriminate nature and the risks they pose to civilian populations.

What happened

The United States has announced that it will provide cluster munitions to Ukraine as part of a new military aid package. The decision has been met with criticism from human rights groups, which argue that cluster munitions are indiscriminate weapons that pose a serious risk to civilians.

The US government has argued that cluster munitions can be a legitimate weapon of war when used responsibly, but critics say that the risk of civilian harm is simply too high.

The decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine is a controversial one, but the Biden administration has argued that it is necessary to provide Ukraine with the tools it needs to defend itself against Russia. The administration has also said that Ukraine has given assurances that it will not use the cluster munitions in civilian areas.

What are cluster munitions?

Cluster munitions are weapons designed to disperse a large number of smaller explosive submunitions, also known as bomblets, over a wide area. They are typically delivered through rockets, missiles, or artillery shells.

These munitions are intended to cause widespread damage and casualties by saturating a target area with a large number of explosive submunitions. When deployed, the main munition opens in mid-air, releasing the bomblets, which scatter and cover a wide radius upon impact.

Each bomblet is capable of causing significant damage, with the potential to injure or kill people and damage vehicles, infrastructure, and other objects within the blast radius.

The purpose of cluster munitions is to disrupt and neutralize enemy forces, particularly those in fortified positions or in open areas. They can be used against a variety of targets, including personnel, armored vehicles, and structures.

Why are they so controversial?

Cluster munitions are highly controversial due to their indiscriminate nature and long-lasting impact. When deployed, they scatter numerous smaller bomblets over a wide area, making it difficult to control their precise impact and leading to civilian casualties.

Moreover, unexploded bomblets pose a significant threat to civilians long after the conflict ends, hindering post-war recovery and causing injuries or deaths. The use of cluster munitions is widely criticized for violating international humanitarian law, including principles of distinction and proportionality, and their ban by the Convention on Cluster Munitions reflects the global consensus on the need to protect civilian populations from these devastating weapons.

The international community has widely recognised the dangers and humanitarian consequences of cluster munitions. Over 100 countries have joined the Convention on Cluster Munitions, demonstrating a global consensus against the use of these weapons. The ban reflects the understanding that the protection of civilians should be prioritized during armed conflicts.

The Bomb Business

Just days after the war in Ukraine began last year, Jen Psaki, then the White House press secretary, was asked by a reporter about Russia’s use of “illegal cluster bombs” on the battlefield. The munitions, which carpet landscapes, are banned in more than 120… pic.twitter.com/FX5U2rvYtB

— Pedro L. Gonzalez (@emeriticus) July 7, 2023

Germany's stand

Germany has expressed its opposition to the shipment of cluster munitions to Ukraine. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock highlighted that Germany, as a participant in the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) alongside 111 other countries, shares this stance. It is important to note that the United States is not a party to this convention.

Baerbock has said that the country's opposition to cluster munitions is "as justified as ever" and that she "cannot accept" their use in Ukraine.

Despite the opposition, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed a slightly different view, stating that Germany should not completely hinder the United States from sending cluster munitions to Ukraine. However, he emphasized that Germany maintains its firm stance against the use of these controversial weapons.

US decision: A difficult choice

US President Joe Biden described the decision to supply cluster bombs to Ukraine as a "very difficult decision." The move was part of a larger military aid package worth $800 million aimed at supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities.

President Biden stated that the decision was driven by the urgent need to address Ukraine's diminishing ammunition supplies.

Bottom line

It remains to be seen whether the decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine will backfire. On the one hand, the weapons could help Ukraine turn the tide of the war. On the other hand, the use of cluster munitions could further alienate the US from its allies and make it more difficult to build international support for Ukraine.

Only time will tell what the long-term consequences of the US decision to supply cluster bombs to Ukraine will be. However, one thing is clear: the decision is significant and will have far-reaching implications.