The White House said Kiev has begun using controversial cluster munitions supplied by the United States, as Ukraine seeks to build momentum in its counter-offensive against Russian forces.
In an interview broadcast by CNN in early July, US President Joe Biden confirmed that he had obtained a file ‘A very difficult decision’ By delivering these weapons to Ukraine, justifying it by the fact that Kyiv is “out of ammo”.
sequel after announcement
When asked if Washington’s cluster munitions are being deployed and used by Kiev, John Kirby, the White House spokesman, replied: ” Yes. ” According to John Kirby, these weapons were deployed at the front “About last week.”.
“The success of the Ukrainian counterattack will not be measured by the number of square kilometers recaptured”
“They have influence over the Russian defensive formations”
Ukrainian forces “Use them appropriately. They use them effectively and they have a real impact on Russian defensive formations and defensive maneuvers.” From Moscow, the spokesman told reporters.
Cluster munitions can disperse up to several hundred smaller explosive charges, which can remain unexploded in the ground and pose a danger to civilians after a conflict ends.
Counterattack: Ukrainian soldiers facing the Russian wall
It is banned by many countries, particularly European, signatories to an agreement signed in Oslo in 2008 to which neither Russia, nor the United States, nor Ukraine are parties.
sequel after announcement
Russia has a good stockpile of cluster munitions.And Russian President Vladimir Putin had confirmed in an interview with the public television channel “Russia-1”, which was broadcast on Sunday, threatening to use it at the front if Kiev used this type of weapon.
Ukrainian soldiers have already accused Moscow of using the controversial munition since the start of the conflict.
Tensions and attacks on the shores of the Black Sea
On the Black Sea side, which has captured the attention of the belligerents since a crucial global food deal expired, Ukraine warned Thursday it would treat boats bound for Moscow-controlled ports as potential carriers of military equipment. “With all the risks involved.”As Russia did before after its withdrawal from the agreement.
During the night from Wednesday to Thursday, the Ukrainian ports of Mykolaiv and Odessa were hit by Russian strikes, “definitely” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned it.
sequel after announcement
Officials said at least three people were killed and more than 20 wounded in the drone and missile strikes. in mykolaiv, “At least five residential buildings were damaged.”said Mayor Oleksandr Senkevich.
Ukraine: The War That Continued
“A hellish night for our people! »The head of the Ukrainian Air Force’s Emergency Situations Service, Sergoyk Kruc, responded, stating that Moscow had launched a total of 38 missiles and drones at the two cities.
These attacks have an impact far beyond Ukraine. We are already seeing the negative impact on global wheat and maize prices, which is hurting everyone, especially vulnerable populations in the global south.”said Mr. Guterres’ spokesman Stéphane Dujarric.
Kiev accuses Moscow of targeting its port infrastructure specifically, in order to prevent any possible resumption of Ukrainian grain exports.
