U.S. actively considering giving cluster munitions to Ukraine
POLITICOJun 29, 2023
US Considers Sending Cluster Munitions to Ukraine
Image copyright: US Defense Dept. [via Wikimedia Commons]
The Facts
Amid Ukraine's struggles to make major gains in its long-anticipated counteroffensive launched earlier this month, the Biden administration is said to be strongly considering approving the transfer of cluster munitions to the war-torn country, according to a number of US officials who spoke to CNN.
Two senior US officials also told NBC News that the US is leaning towards providing the controversial weapon to Ukraine, stating that an announcement could come as early as next month. Meanwhile, a third official cited by the publication specified that the US is mulling sending Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions, or DPICMs — an advanced cluster bomb capable of being fired from artillery systems that Kyiv has already received.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
While all concerns will be debated and no decision has yet been reached, the transfer of cluster bombs to Ukraine would provide Kyiv with an immediate increase of firepower that will help it punch through Russian defensive lines. The move would improve the prospects of a successful Ukrainian counteroffensive.
Establishment-critical narrative
Cluster bombs can inflict devastating damage to civilians — particularly if fired at densely populated areas. Worse still, released bomblets frequently do not explode on impact, meaning they can remain a threat like landmines for years to come. The US should not be considering sending the weapons to Ukraine, rather, it should be backing disarmament initiatives.
Nerd narrative
There is a 4% chance that in 2023 there will be another war with more casualties than the Russia-Ukraine War, according to the Metaculus prediction community.