The Biden administration has announced an $800 million security assistance package to Ukraine, marking the 42nd aid package provided by the United States since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began. Among the items included in the package are Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions (DPICM), commonly known as cluster munitions. This move has sparked controversy due to the global convention banning cluster munitions, which has been ratified by 111 state parties.
Cluster munitions are weapons that disperse explosive submunitions over a wide area. These submunitions, often weighing less than 20 kg, can remain unexploded for years, posing a significant risk to civilians. The Convention on Cluster Munitions, adopted in 2008, prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of cluster munitions.
While 123 states have joined the convention, major countries such as the United States, Russia, China, India, Israel, Pakistan, and Ukraine, along with several NATO countries, have not ratified it. Both Russia and Ukraine have been documented using cluster munitions during the ongoing conflict, resulting in civilian casualties and injuries.
The U.S. DPICM encompasses various artillery shells and rocket ammunition used in multiple systems, including the HIMARS. Defending the decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan highlighted Russia’s high failure rate of cluster munitions and Ukraine’s request for them to defend its territory. However, concerns about civilian harm and unexploded ordnance persist.
The use of cluster munitions is highly controversial, with the potential for causing significant harm to civilians. The provision of cluster munitions by the United States to Ukraine has raised questions about adherence to international law and the ethical implications of such actions.
While the United States has expressed concerns about Russia’s use of cluster munitions, it is important to consider the risks and consequences associated with providing them to Ukraine. The balance between defending sovereign territory and protecting civilian lives remains a contentious issue.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, NATO has refrained from taking a position on cluster munitions, leaving the decision to individual governments. The focus remains on condemning Russia’s use of cluster munitions and addressing the humanitarian consequences of such weaponry.
