Ukraine to receive more cluster munitions from US - NYT
Date: 2023-09-07 Author: Кирило Загоруйко Categories: MILITARY ASSISTANCE
The administration of US President Joe Biden is preparing to send another batch of cluster munitions to Ukraine, writes The New York Times, citing US officials.
Three U.S. officials told the publication that Washington plans to "send more, and soon" to make sure the troops don't run out of that ammo.
US officials do not say how many cluster munitions were included in the first shipment, but say the weapons helped Ukraine maintain momentum on the southern front.
Ukrainian defenders say the arrival of U.S. cluster munitions not only boosted morale, but also helped break up Russian defensive positions in the south, continue pressure on Russian troops in the east, and deter Russian attacks in the northeast. They also note that cluster munitions have become a powerful addition to existing weapons, and have also been a necessity as stocks of 155mm artillery shells run out.
"They are super effective. When our guys see how we use them against the enemy, their spirits rise," said Ukrainian marine Sergei, who participated in the successful battle for Urozhayne.
Ukraine's defenders also explain that cluster munitions are used primarily in situations where enemy infantry is exposed. At the same time, they say, these shells are ineffective against dug-in Russian positions, which are the main obstacle to a counteroffensive.
US officials note that cluster rounds have been used by the Defense Forces to target Russian troop concentrations, artillery systems, air defenses, ammunition depots, radar stations and vehicles.
“We have seen in the Ukrainian reports that they have a good effect on this ability [to attack],” Laura K. Cooper, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, said in a recent interview.
