The United States has made the decision to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine, a type of ammunition first used in World War II and currently banned in over 100 countries. This action has sparked significant controversy in the international community, with China joining the latest critics of the measure taken by the Joe Biden administration.

 

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mao Ning, expressed concern over the US decision, labeling it as an irresponsible supply that could trigger humanitarian issues. China joins other countries opposing this move and emphasizes the need for dialogue to prevent escalating tensions and further intensifying the Ukrainian crisis.

 

Russia has also condemned the US decision, denouncing it as "weakness" and "desperation" in the face of the alleged failure of Ukraine's Armed Forces counteroffensive. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, accused the United States of becoming an "accomplice" to civilian deaths and described the supply of cluster bombs as a cynical attempt to prolong the agony of the current Ukrainian authorities.

 

Even Cambodia has warned about the fatal consequences of using cluster bombs and their impact on the civilian population. Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen, pointed out that they would pose a significant risk to Ukrainians for decades or even centuries, particularly in the areas occupied by Russia in Ukrainian territory.

 

It is worth noting that cluster bombs are prohibited in numerous European countries that are signatories to the 2008 Oslo Convention, although the United States, Ukraine, and Russia are not part of this convention. China, India, Brazil, and Argentina, among other states, are also not bound by this prohibition. The use of these munitions is highly controversial due to the significant collateral civilian casualties they cause.

 

The Convention on Cluster Munitions requires states to ratify and implement it, including governments, armed forces, and armed groups that possess and stockpile this type of ammunition.