Biden on Providing Cluster Munitions to Ukraine

U.S. President Joe Biden has confirmed that supplying cluster munitions to Ukraine is a temporary measure during the period until Western countries have ramped up the production of conventional shells.

The U.S. announced on Friday a new military aid package for Ukraine, which for the first time includes 155mm DPICM-type artillery shells, cluster munitions that are banned in many countries around the world.

Earlier, the New York Times reported, citing interviews with American officials, that the possible shipment of cluster munitions to Ukraine would serve as a temporary solution aimed at buying time until the increase in the production of conventional artillery shells in the U.S., which could occur by the spring of 2024.

“I ultimately accepted the recommendation from the Department of Defense to do this not permanently, but for this transitional period, until we have more 155mm caliber weapons and ammunition to provide to Ukrainians with a very low rate of refusal,” he told CNN in an interview.

“They are trying to break through those trenches and stop those tanks. But it’s not an easy fix,” he added.