Pentagon to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions - Reuters

The United States believes that the supply of cluster munitions will help Ukraine gain an advantage on the battlefield.

Source. This was reported by Reuters with reference to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for russia, Ukraine and Eurasia Laura Cooper.

Kyiv has previously called on members of Congress to put pressure on President Joe Biden's administration to approve the shipment of improved dual-purpose improved conventional munitions (DPICM) to Ukraine.

Cluster munitions, which are banned in more than 120 countries, typically release a large number of small explosive submunitions that can be scattered over a wide area and can lead to civilian casualties.

"Our military experts have confirmed that DPICMs will be useful especially against trenches on the battlefield," Cooper said.

There has been no progress on deliveries due to current congressional restrictions on DPICMs and concerns about the allied position, she added.

Opponents of cluster munitions warn that they can maim and kill civilians because of their large kill zone, and that shells that do not regularly explode pose a danger for years after the conflict ends.

The 2008 treaty, which bans the production, use and storage of cluster munitions, was agreed by 123 countries, including most NATO members. The United States, russia and Ukraine refused to join the treaty.

"In terms of effectiveness on the battlefield, we believe the use of cluster munitions would be beneficial," Cooper said.

Background. As reported, the United States overestimated the cost of military aid to Ukraine by $6.2 billion instead of $3 billion. The found funds can be used to purchase additional supplies and weapons.