SUMMARY
- President Biden makes the controversial decision to supply Ukraine with potentially lethal cluster munitions.
- The move, described as a 'bridge' by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, aims to alleviate Ukraine's dwindling ammunition stocks.
- Despite international bans on cluster munitions, Biden defends the move as necessary under the extraordinary circumstances of the Ukrainian conflict.
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As the Ukrainian conflict intensifies, President Joe Biden has taken a controversial stance, opting to provide Ukraine with potentially deadly cluster munitions to supplement their dwindling ammunition reserves.
The President’s decision, which he admits was not taken lightly, comes after substantive consultations with allies and representatives on Capitol Hill. Cluster munitions are known for their potency in battle; however, they pose a long-term threat as unexploded bombs can linger and harm civilians long after a conflict has ended.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan highlighted the provision of these munitions as a temporary solution. As the U.S. ramps up production of artillery shells, these cluster munitions are intended to serve as a 'bridge', ensuring Ukraine can continue to meet its immediate battlefield needs while managing the depleting American supplies.
Contrary to speculations, the President clarified that this move doesn’t mark a drastic shift in U.S. policy but a necessary response during a 'transition period.' Despite past U.S. criticisms of Russia's use of these bombs in civilian areas, Biden emphasizes the nature of this war revolves around ammunition, an aspect both the U.S. and Ukraine are grappling with.
The Ukrainian military has been exerting significant pressure on their ammunition reserves due to the resurgence of offensives. The decision to provide cluster munitions, though a contentious one due to their disputed legality, seems justified under these dire circumstances, according to the President. These munitions are considered effective in targeting opposing forces, and while over a hundred countries have banned them, neither the U.S., Ukraine, nor Russia are signatories to the ban.
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