The decision for the United States to send cluster bombs to Ukraine is drawing both support and outrage from lawmakers as the Biden administration gives the green light for shipping the controversial weapons.
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) said cluster bombs should never be used, and that using them is crossing a line. However, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) said he backed President Joe Biden’s “tough call” and said Ukraine is quickly running out of artillery ammo and that they may lose the counteroffensive if they run out.
Professor Olena Lennon at the University of New Haven highlights the need to understand the context surrounding the use of these weapons, which have been banned by over 100 countries because of the threat to civilians. Ms. Lennon argues the decision makes political sense given that Ukraine is fighting entrenched Russian forces and Ukraine’s ammunition reserves are dwindling.