US Should Not Transfer Cluster Munitions to Ukraine: Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has conducted research on the use of cluster munitions during the Ukrainian conflict. According to HRW, this type of weapon is used by both Ukrainian and Russian forces. Among other things, HRW reports on the deaths of civilians during strikes by Ukrainian armed forces on the city of Izium (in Kharkiv region, Ukraine) in 2022, and warns Washington against transferring cluster munitions to Kyiv.

"Both sides must immediately cease the use of cluster munitions and refrain from seeking further supplies of these indiscriminate weapons. The US should not transfer cluster munitions to Ukraine," reads HRW's statement.

HRW spokesperson Mary Wareham stated, "The cluster munitions used by Russia and Ukraine are currently killing civilians and will continue to do so for many years to come."

It is noted that the transfer of cluster munitions by Washington would inevitably lead to prolonged suffering for the civilian population and undermine the international condemnation of their use.

Earlier, The New York Times reported that the US had decided to supply cluster munitions to Ukraine after lengthy discussions.

The Convention on Cluster Munitions was signed in 2008, participated by over 100 countries, promising not to produce, use, or transfer such weapons. The US, Russia, and Ukraine are not parties to the convention.