The Russian invasion. The outside world's response

Joe Biden. Susan Walsh/AP  

 

The Russian invasion. The outside world's response  

Sources: Biden ready to make exception for cluster bombs 

 

President Joe Biden has approved the United States sending cluster bombs to Ukraine, according to Washington Post sources. The package is expected to be presented later on Friday. 

 

Cluster bombs break up into smaller active projectiles when fired, causing them to spread over a larger area. 

 

Biden's move means circumventing laws against the use and movement of cluster bombs. This is done by using another law that allows the president to grant support without regard to restrictions on arms exports - as long as it is essential to US national security interests.  

 

Cluster munitions are highly controversial and over 120 countries have banned the use of such weapons. According to WP, the White House's stance was preceded by an internal debate lasting several months.  

 

 

Cluster munition projectile on sunflower fields in Ukraine, 2022. Evgeniy Maloletka / AP 

 

The Russian invasion|The response of the outside world 

Experts: Ukraine has weighed the risks of cluster bombs  

 

The Ukrainians are aware of the risks of using cluster munitions in their own territory, according to Sky News military analyst Sean Bell. The US is expected later on Friday to present a new support package to Ukraine, which includes cluster bombs.  

 

- They have to weigh the benefits of these weapons, which can provide a decisive capability in the war, against the risk of the legacy they will get by having to clear them up afterwards.  

 

Lieutenant Colonel Joakim Paasikivi describes cluster bombs as a "basket of hand grenades" in Aftonbladet TV. Several projectiles can thus be spread over a larger area, but the risk is that those that are not triggered remain and injure civilians. 

 

- In this case, Ukraine has made the decision that it is more important to secure the country and then try to clear them, he says. 

An Israeli cluster bomb that has not detonated. Illustration image. MOHAMMED ZAATARI / AP  

 

The Russian invasion. The outside world's response 

The US is considering sending cluster bombs to Ukraine  

 

The United States is "actively considering" sending cluster munitions to Ukraine, several White House officials told the New York Times and Reuters.  

 

Cluster munitions are a type of projectile that, after being fired, split into smaller explosive projectiles, causing them to spread over a larger area. There is a risk that projectiles that do not explode will be lying around. The type of ammunition is highly controversial and over 120 countries have banned the use of such weapons.  

 

The New York Times writes that it is not a war crime to use cluster bombs, but that it could be classified as one if civilians were affected.  

 

A military support package for Ukraine is expected to be presented on Friday and is said to include the type of ammunition.