What are cluster munitions that the U.S. is sending to Ukraine despite criticism?

The United States on Friday announced its decision to supply cluster munitions to Ukraine for the first time. This decision comes as Ukrainian forces are engaged in a challenging counteroffensive against invading Russian troops. The move has been met with strong criticism from human rights groups due to the inherent dangers posed by unexploded bomblets. However, the U.S. government has stated that it has received assurances from Kyiv that they will take steps to minimize the risk to civilians, including refraining from using the munitions in populated areas.

These cluster munitions are part of a new military aid package worth $800 million that the U.S. plans to send to Ukraine. In addition to the cluster munitions, the package includes Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles, as well as various types of ammunition, including rounds for howitzers and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.

What are cluster munitions?

Cluster munitions are weapons that release smaller explosive devices, known as bomblets, over a wide area. Cluster munitions release smaller explosive devices that can cause indiscriminate casualties across a wide area. Additionally, the unexploded bomblets remain hazardous for extended periods, posing a lasting threat long after the conflict has concluded.

They are deployed from aircraft, ground-based systems, or naval vessels. These weapons have been employed in various conflicts such as the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Syrian Civil War. However, they have faced significant criticism due to their high rate of unexploded bomblets, also known as duds. Such duds pose an enduring threat to civilians even after conflicts have ceased.

According to Human Rights Watch, during the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, U.S. forces considered cluster munitions to be a significant weapon. It is estimated that over 1,500 cluster bombs were dropped by the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan within the initial three years of the conflict.

In 2008, a convention was adopted by 120 nations, called the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions. Nonetheless, not all countries have chosen to sign or ratify this international agreement.

Some notable countries, including the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, have not chosen to be part of the agreement and have not signed on to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

The utilization of cluster munitions presents several critical issues:

1. Civilian Casualties: These weapons can cause harm to civilians, including children who may not be aware of the dangers associated with unexploded bomblets.
2. Environmental Impact: Cluster munitions can contaminate land for prolonged periods, rendering it hazardous for people to return to their homes or utilize the affected areas for agricultural or other purposes.
3. Indiscriminate Nature: These weapons lack precision targeting, making them indiscriminate and increasing the risk of harm to civilians, even in military contexts.

Due to these concerns, cluster munitions are widely considered to be inhumane, leading to their prohibition under international law.