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HRW: Ukraine and Russia to stop using cluster bombs

2023-07-06 10:13:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have used cluster munitions that have killed Ukrainian civilians, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report released on July 6.

This HRW report comes at a time when the United States is considering the request of the Ukrainian Government, which is asking Washington to supply it with such ammunition.

HRW called on Russia and Ukraine to stop using cluster bombs and called on the US not to supply Ukraine with such munitions.

Over 120 countries have signed an international treaty banning the use of cluster munitions. These munitions are rockets and bombs that explode in the air over a target and release many small explosive devices.

Russia, Ukraine and the USA have not signed this treaty.

A senior Pentagon official said last week that cluster munitions could be useful to Ukraine in its efforts to drive Russian forces from the territory. However, the official said the decision to supply Kiev with such munitions has not yet been approved due to restrictions imposed by Congress and concerns expressed by allies.

Ukraine has used cluster munitions in Russian-held territory in and around the eastern Ukrainian city of Izyum last year after Russia launched an invasion of its neighbor, HRW said. This organization said this finding is based on interviews with more than 100 residents, witnesses and local emergency personnel.

Ukrainian attacks have killed at least eight civilians and wounded 15 others in Izjum, HRW said.

This organization had previously reported that Russia had used cluster munitions in Ukraine, which had caused the death of many civilians. Likewise, the United Nations Human Rights Council has documented the use of such ammunition by both sides.

"The cluster munitions used by Russia and Ukraine are killing civilians now and will continue to kill them for many years to come," said Mary Wareham, arms director at HRW. "Both sides should immediately stop using such munitions and not attempt to supply such weapons," she said in a statement.

The Ukrainian government has called on the US Congress to ask the administration of President Joe Biden to approve the delivery of cluster bombs./ Rel