The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, stated that Russia possesses an ample supply of cluster munitions, indicating a readiness to retaliate against Kyiv’s use of internationally condemned lethal weapons.

This declaration comes following the Biden administration’s approval to export cluster munitions, a weapon type previously referred to by the White House as ‘war crimes’ during the early days of conflict in Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin referenced an international treaty in an interview, indirectly indicating the United States’ initial stance against the use of cluster munitions, which they formerly described as criminal. The United Nations Convention on Cluster Munitions, established in 2008, forbids the utilization, accumulation, or transfer of such weapons. Although the treaty was signed by NATO countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, Russia, the United States, and China refrained from signing.

Putin also refuted the accusations from the West alleging Moscow’s use of cluster munitions in Kharkiv at the onset of the war. In a stern warning, the Russian president underscored Russia’s prerogative to respond in kind if such weapons are used against them, emphasizing that Russia has a considerable cache of various types of cluster munitions.

Cluster munitions, or cluster bombs, are highly lethal, containing hundreds of smaller bomblets designed to detonate upon contact with the ground. Besides the immediate damage, many bomblets fail to detonate, posing long-term risks to civilians. The decision by the US to supply Ukraine with such weaponry has sparked outrage among humanitarian groups.

The US President, Joe Biden, admitted that the decision was difficult but highlighted Ukraine’s urgent need for additional ammunition to replenish its dwindling supplies. However, Putin contested this argument, asserting that Ukraine’s ammunition reserves are depleting and emphasized that the country and Europe lack adequate supplies. He critiqued the decision to suggest the use of cluster munitions as a solution.

  Joe Biden, Moscow, NATO, Russia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, USA, Vladimir Putin