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Recent video footage has emerged showing Ukraine's use of controversial cluster munitions in the Donetsk Oblast, reportedly targeting Russian infantry. This comes shortly after the US announced an $800 million package that included a shipment of cluster bombs to Ukraine.

While American officials claim the U.S. shipment of bombs will aid Kyiv in dealing with munition shortages, human rights advocates and critics are raising concerns about the devastating impact of these weapons. 

Cluster Munitions: Controversial and Devastating Weapons

These weapons release multiple bomblets or submunitions over a wide area, causing indiscriminate destruction. While they can be effective in certain situations, they pose significant risks due to their individual dud rate.

 Many of these bomblets fail to explode upon impact, creating dangerous duds that can remain active for years. It is effectively like leaving functioning lethal landmines after a battle.

More than 100 countries have banned their use.  These countries have joined the Convention on Cluster Munitions, aiming to eliminate these weapons and protect civilians from their deadly consequences.

https://youtu.be/i0RzGIfGQbU

The US Shipment and Criticisms

The US's decision to include cluster munitions in its aid package to Ukraine has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and experts.

Mary Wareham, arms advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the US's history of using cluster munitions and called on the Biden administration to firmly reject their use.

Ukraine's deployment of these weapons has given rise to public outcry. And raised concerns about the weapons' potential impact on civilian areas and the risks associated with duds.

While American officials claim the bombs they provided have a low dud rate of 2.35%, there are indications that the failure rate could be significantly higher, ranging from 10% to 30%.

Effectiveness vs. Risks

Cluster munitions are known for effectively clearing uncovered trenches and artillery lines. However, the inherent risk of duds can negate their advantages and lead to unintended casualties and long-lasting dangers in conflict-affected regions.

Ukraine's use of controversial weapons, following the US shipment, has sparked concern over the devastating impact and potential risks to civilians.

 Despite their effectiveness in certain situations, the risks associated with unexploded bomblets have led to widespread calls for their prohibition.