Putin Warns Ukraine of Russia’s 'Sufficient Stockpile' of Cluster Bombs

President Vladimir Putin asserted that Russia possesses a substantial stockpile of cluster bombs and retains the right to employ them if such munitions, which he views as criminal, are used against Russian forces in Ukraine.

In response to the ongoing conflict, Ukraine recently received cluster bombs from the U.S., its primary military supporter.

The U.S. claims the provision of these munitions aims to compensate for shell shortages faced by Kyiv's forces as they engage in a counter-offensive.

Why is this significant?

Cluster munitions have been outlawed in over 100 countries due to their indiscriminate nature, releasing numerous smaller bomblets that can cause widespread casualties.

Additionally, unexploded bomblets pose long-lasting dangers, particularly to children.

While Kyiv has stated its intention to utilize cluster bombs against enemy concentrations within its own territory, it has assured that it will not employ them on Russian soil.

Putin isn’t bluffing

Putin emphasized that Russia possesses an ample supply of various types of cluster bombs, which they have not yet utilized.

However, he asserted that reciprocal action would be taken if such munitions were deployed against Russian forces.

The Russian president condemned the use of cluster bombs, despite having faced ammunition shortages in the past without resorting to their use.

Human Rights Watch has reported the use of cluster munitions by both Moscow and Kyiv.

Notably, Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. have not ratified the Convention on Cluster Munitions, an agreement prohibiting such weapons' production, stockpiling, use, and transfer.

At this point in the war, human rights are the least of the U.S., Western Europe, and Ukraine’s concerns.

The masks are coming off, and they’re willing to ‘win’ this war by any means necessary, but will they succeed?