Ukraine Receives Cluster Munitions from the USA, Says Ukrainian General

Ukraine has received cluster munitions from the United States, although they have not yet been used in the ongoing war. This was stated by Brigadier General Alexander Tarnavskiy, commander of the 'Tavria' operational-strategic group, in a CNN commentary.

“We just received them (cluster munitions), we haven’t used them yet, but they can radically change the situation on the battlefield,” he said.

Tarnavskiy noted that Russians understand that with this type of munitions, Ukraine will have an advantage. He assured that only the highest command will decide where exactly the cluster munitions can be used, as they are very powerful weapons.

“The Russians believe we will use them across all fronts. That is a big mistake. But they are very worried,” the general added.

It is noteworthy that earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated that if the United States supplies cluster munitions to Ukraine, Russian forces will have to use similar weapons against the Ukrainian armed forces. “If the United States supplies cluster munitions to Ukraine, then the Russian armed forces will have to use such weapons in response against the Ukrainian armed forces,” said Shoigu.

According to him, Russia’s arsenal holds cluster munitions for “various scenarios.” “These are much more effective than the American ones; their range is wider and more diverse. At the same time, Russia still refrains from using them in military operations, understanding the threat that such munitions pose to civilians,” Shoigu stated.

It was mentioned that on Friday, the United States announced that it would supply Ukraine with cluster munitions as part of a new $800 million security aid package. Cluster munitions are banned in over 100 countries; however, the USA, Ukraine, and Russia have not signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the production, stockpiling, use, and transfer of such weapons. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters that Ukraine has assured the United States in writing that the cluster munitions provided by Washington will not be used on Russian territory or in populated areas.