The US-supplied cluster bombs sent to Ukraine have reportedly made a significant impact on the battlefield, making Moscow’s forces hesitant to attack.
A Ukrainian frontline soldier, identified only by his call sign “Stanislav” for security reasons, told The Washington Post that the controversial munitions are helping Kyiv slow enemy advances.
Russians advancing over open ground are reportedly the most vulnerable to cluster bombs.
On the defensive side, the weapons are also proving useful because they force Russian troops to hide in their trenches as Ukraine advances.
“The main benefit is that the enemy is now very scared to go on assault,” Stanislav said. “They recognize the cluster bombs by the whistle they make when headed their way.”
Controversial Decision
Last month, US President Joe Biden approved the supply of cluster munitions to Ukraine to help in its ongoing counter-offensive against Moscow’s forces.
He said the decision was “very difficult” as numerous organizations signified their opposition to the move due to safety concerns.
Cluster munitions disperse a large number of “bomblets,” which often fail to detonate, putting civilians at risk.
More than 100 countries are signatories to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans the use of such weapons. However, the US, Ukraine, and Russia are not part of the convention.
Evening the Odds
A few weeks after Ukraine launched its highly-anticipated counter-offensive, Russia reportedly gained an “effective war footing” with the extensive use of landmines.
Moscow’s minefields are slowing Ukrainian advances, even with Western-supplied tanks.
With the US-made cluster munitions, Kyiv has apparently found a way to even the odds.
“When we start firing the cluster munitions, the Russians disappear under hard cover. They won’t even poke their noses out,” Stanislav explained.
