As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia rages on, the White House has acknowledged that Ukrainian forces are employing United States-supplied cluster munitions on the battlefield. These weapons were provided to Ukraine for the first time earlier this month, as Kyiv endeavors to dislodge entrenched Russian troops and regain lost territory from Moscow’s invasion last year.
Cluster munitions are known for dispersing numerous small explosive charges that can pose long-term risks to civilians, as they often remain unexploded in the ground. Many countries have banned their usage due to the potential harm they can cause to innocent lives.
Confirming the use of these munitions, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby assured reporters that Ukraine’s forces are using them appropriately and effectively. The cluster munitions have demonstrated their impact on Russia’s defensive formations and manoeuvring, giving Kyiv some momentum in its counter-offensive.
However, the conflict still faces significant challenges, with Russian forces continuing to occupy large areas of southern and eastern Ukraine. Over a month into Kyiv’s counter-offensive, substantial portions of the front remain stagnant, indicating the difficulty of dislodging Russian troops from the occupied territories.
In the recent escalation of violence, Ukrainian ports of Mykolaiv and Odesa were targeted with drones and missiles in a series of “hellish” strikes, resulting in casualties and destruction. At least three people lost their lives, and more than 20 others were injured in the attacks, with images showing buildings engulfed in flames and partially collapsed.
In response to Russia’s withdrawal from a key grain export deal, Ukraine announced that it would treat ships heading for Russian-controlled ports in the Black Sea as potential carriers of military cargo. This move came after Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian ports following last year’s invasion, leading to a UN and Turkey-brokered grain export deal that eased the critical food shortages faced by countries such as Afghanistan, Sudan, and Yemen. However, Russia’s exit from the deal has disrupted grain shipments and sparked accusations of targeting grain supplies and infrastructure vital for exports.
The impact of these attacks extends beyond Ukraine, affecting global wheat and corn prices, particularly affecting vulnerable populations in the global south. As tensions persist, Ukraine has called on the UN and neighboring countries to secure safe passage for grain shipments through joint patrols.
As the situation remains tense and unpredictable, the international community closely watches developments in the region, hoping for a resolution that would bring an end to the suffering and restore stability in Ukraine.
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