Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia possesses a “sufficient stockpile” of cluster bombs and reserved the right to use them if such munitions were deployed against Russian forces in Ukraine. While Putin acknowledged that he viewed the use of cluster bombs as a crime, he asserted that Russia would respond in kind if necessary.
This statement follows Ukraine’s announcement that it received cluster bombs from the United States, its largest military backer. The United States justified providing these munitions as a means to compensate for shell shortages faced by Ukrainian forces during their counter-offensive. Cluster munitions, which release numerous smaller bomblets, are banned in over 100 countries due to their indiscriminate nature, posing a threat to civilians and leaving unexploded ordnance for extended periods, especially affecting children.
While Ukraine stated its intention to use cluster bombs to dislodge enemy concentrations within its own territory, it pledged not to use them on Russian soil. In response, Putin declared that Russia has a stockpile of cluster bombs but has not employed them thus far. However, he emphasised that if such munitions were used against Russian forces, Russia would retain the right to take reciprocal action.
Both Moscow and Kyiv have faced allegations of using cluster munitions, according to Human Rights Watch. It is noteworthy that Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have not ratified the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the production, stockpiling, use, and transfer of these weapons.
In addition to addressing cluster bombs, Putin discussed Russian specialists examining captured Western military equipment and missiles, including the Storm Shadow missiles supplied by Britain to Ukraine. Putin expressed no objections to such examinations, as Russia seeks to identify any useful elements that could enhance its own military hardware.
The developments surrounding cluster munitions underscore the ongoing tensions in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The potential use of these weapons and the exchange of accusations raise concerns about the humanitarian impact on civilians and the need for international efforts to promote disarmament and protect civilian populations.
