The United States announced on July 7, 2023 that it would be sending cluster munitions to Ukraine. This is part of a new military aid package worth $800 million. Cluster munitions scatter submunitions over a wide area and have been banned by over 100 countries, including the United States. However, the Biden administration believes their use in Ukraine is justified due to the severity of the conflict and the threat from Russian forces.
The Pentagon stated that the aid package includes 155mm artillery rounds, including DPICM (Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions). DPICMs have a failure rate of less than 2.35%, meaning that fewer than 3% of the submunitions fail to detonate.
The United States will also provide ground vehicles like Bradley fighting vehicles and Stryker armored personnel carriers to Ukraine. Additionally, they will supply munitions for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). HIMARS is a mobile artillery system with a range of up to 70 kilometers.
The decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine has faced criticism from human rights groups. They argue that these weapons are indiscriminate and pose a danger to civilians. However, the Biden administration defends the decision, emphasizing the necessity of providing Ukraine with tools to defend itself against Russian aggression.
Apart from the military aid package, the United States has pledged to support Ukraine’s membership in NATO. Ukraine has been seeking membership since 2008, but Russia opposes it and has threatened military action if Ukraine joins the alliance.
The United States is committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They vow to defend Ukraine against any Russian aggression. The new military aid package and the support for NATO membership demonstrate the United States’ commitment to Ukraine’s defense.
