Ukraine Gets Controversial Cluster Bombs Amid Rising Tensions
Ukraine has received a controversial shipment of cluster munitions just days after the US announced plans to send them. Valeryi Shershen, spokesman for Ukraine’s Tavria military command, confirmed the delivery but said the weapons have not yet been used.
Speaking on Ukrainian TV, Shershen revealed the cluster bombs are now in Ukrainian defence forces’ hands, though he kept details about their deployment under wraps.
US Sends Cluster Munitions in $800m Military Aid Package
The US included cluster munitions in an £610 million ($800 million) security package last week aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s fight against Russia. These weapons are fiercely controversial and banned by over 100 countries due to their indiscriminate danger.
- Cluster munitions release many smaller bomblets over large areas.
- Unexploded bomblets endanger civilians for years after conflicts.
- They pose a serious risk to innocent people across wide zones.
Russia Furious as Putin Warns of Priority Targets
Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the delivery of foreign tanks and cluster bombs, calling such weapons “priority targets” for his forces. He also warned that Ukraine joining NATO would threaten Russia’s security and ramp up global tensions.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov slammed NATO’s plans to supply F-16 jets, calling them a “nuclear threat” due to their nuclear capability.
Biden Plays Down Nuclear Threat Amid Growing Instability
US President Joe Biden dismissed fears that Russia might use nuclear weapons against Ukraine or the West. “There is no real likelihood of such an event,” he said, stressing international resolve against nuclear escalation and calling for restraint amid Moscow’s mounting instability.
