WWIII WATCH: Joe Biden to Supply Ukraine with Controversial Cluster Bombs

President Joe Biden is anticipated to provide Ukraine with cluster bombs, despite their widely recognized long-term detrimental effects on civilians, a weapon that many countries have vowed not to use.

A senior official from the Biden administration informed the New York Times that the United States will supply Ukraine with cluster bombs at the request of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, who advocated for the controversial weapon despite its global ban.

Cluster munitions encompass a range of rockets, bombs, missiles, and artillery projectiles that disperse over a wide area when deployed. These munitions often malfunction, leading to devastating consequences for civilians.

Humanitarian organizations emphasize that a significant portion, possibly one-fifth or more, of these munitions can remain hazardous for civilians even years after a conflict. Over 100 countries have signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, committing to abstain from their use. However, Russia, the United States, and Ukraine are not among the signatories to the treaty.

Ukraine argues that cluster munitions would bolster their counteroffensive against Russia, with Laura Cooper, the deputy assistant secretary of defense, recently stating that they would be useful against Russia’s entrenched positions.

Reports indicate that Russia has employed cluster munitions in the Ukrainian conflict.

Lawmakers and human rights advocates have expressed concerns regarding the decision to supply Ukraine with cluster munitions. Mary Wareham, advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, criticized the transfer, stating, “Transferring cluster munitions disregards the substantial danger they pose to civilians and undermines the global effort to ban them.”

Representative Sara Jacobs (D-CA) highlighted that the move would undermine the United States’ stance on human rights. She stated, “We’ve witnessed Russia’s horrifying use of cluster munitions in Ukraine, and we should not surrender the moral high ground by condemning their actions and then choosing to send cluster munitions ourselves.”

Jacobs emphasized the broader goal of supporting Ukraine’s future as a free, open, and democratic nation, stating that cluster munitions hinder successful economic reconstruction, recovery, and the maintenance of anti-corruption efforts.

To uphold America’s reputation as defenders of human rights, Jacobs urged the administration to stand firm on its values and refuse to supply cluster munitions to Ukraine.

In the midst of escalating support for Ukraine, President Zelensky held a meeting with environmental activist Greta Thunberg to discuss alleged environmental offenses committed by Russia.

{Matzav.com}