Cluster munitions, a highly controversial weapon that has killed thousands of civilians long after the conflict ended, will be provided to Ukraine by the Biden administration, according to an announcement made on Friday. According to the White House, the cluster weapons will be included in a new $800 million package of military aid to Ukraine.
“It was a very difficult decision on my part. And by the way, I discussed it with my aides, I discussed it with my friends on the Hill,” Biden said, as reported by CNN, “Ukrainians are Running out of ammunition.”
The decision comes on the eve of a NATO summit in Lithuania, where allies are expected to ask President Joe Biden why the United States would send weapons to Ukraine, which has been banned by more than two-thirds of the alliance’s members because of its Has a history of murder. many citizens.
Additionally, the reaction in Congress was polarized, with some Democrats opposing the plan and others supporting it.
What are munitions?
The US sees the munitions, which are bombs that open in the air and release many smaller bombs, as a way for Kiev to strengthen its offensive and obtain the ammunition needed to break through Russian lines. US leaders discussed the complex issue at length before Biden made a final decision this week.
On Friday, Sullivan defended the decision, saying the United States would send a version of the weapon with a lower “dud rate,” or number of small bombs that do not explode.
Unwanted deaths are caused by unexploded bullets that often litter civilian areas and battlefields. Although they did not specify numbers, US officials have said the country will supply thousands of rounds.
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