According to two United States military officials, Ukrainian forces have begun using American-made cluster munitions against Russia’s defensive positions.
The officials, who spoke anonymously to discuss operational matters, stated that the weapons are being deployed in multiple locations in southeastern Ukraine, but did not provide further details.
The Washington Post initially reported on the use of these weapons by Ukrainian forces, citing Ukrainian officials. The Post mentioned that Kyiv has started firing cluster munitions in an effort to break through well-established Russian defenses, which have hindered Ukraine’s counteroffensive campaign to regain territory.
The Ukrainian authorities have not yet responded to inquiries regarding their use of these weapons.
Last week, hundreds of thousands of these weapons were delivered to Ukraine from U.S. military depots in Europe, as confirmed by Pentagon officials. Colin H. Kahl, the former under secretary of defense for policy, previously stated that while no single capability is a solution, the cluster munitions would enable Ukraine to sustain the artillery fight in the foreseeable future.
President Biden deliberated for months before deciding to supply these weapons, which have been banned by many of America’s closest allies. These munitions scatter small bomblets across the battlefield, posing a threat of grievous injuries even decades after the fighting ends when civilians come across unexploded ordnance.
Russia has been using similar weapons in Ukraine throughout the war. Ukrainian forces have also utilized them, and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine had advocated for more of these munitions to flush out the entrenched Russians impeding his country’s counteroffensive.
2023-07-20 14:46:17
Source from www.nytimes.com
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