The use of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-are-cluster-bombs-which-us-is-set-to-provide-to-ukraine-why-it-is-facing-opposition-613067">cluster munitions</a> has led to the death or injuries of&nbsp;more than 1,000 people. Casualties by the bomb rose eightfold last year due to their use in the Russia-Ukraine war, said the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC), in its annual report on Tuesday (September 5).

This comes months after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-nations-rights-groups-and-un-oppose-us-move-to-send-cluster-bombs-to-ukraine-613459">United States received criticism</a> from its allies in Europe, the United Nations, and international organisations for sending the controversial cluster munitions to Ukraine for the first time since the Russian invasion, and amid Kyiv’s counteroffensive.&nbsp;

Russia has “extensively” been using cluster bombs from its stockpile and also developed new ones during its “special military operation” in Ukraine, the monitor noted in its 96-page global ‘Cluster Munition Monitor 2023’ report.

<h2>Highest number of deaths due to cluster bombs since 2008</h2>

According to the report, the deaths caused by cluster munitions were the highest since the 2008 ban on the bombs. However, the US and Ukraine, along with countries like China and Russia, are not a part of a treaty joined by more than 100 countries that enforces the restriction.&nbsp;

The report by the CMC campaign group recorded some 353 deaths due to cluster munitions which is the most since the group began compiling its annual reports over a decade.

Cluster munitions have been widely denounced for killing and maiming civilians as they typically release large numbers of smaller bomblets that had hit targets indiscriminately over a wide area, threatening civilians.&nbsp;

Not to mention the small bomblets which do not explode when deployed and can pose a danger for years after a conflict ends. People who do survive the attack suffer severe injuries from blasts and burns that can result in life-long wounds which require medical attention.&nbsp;

“It’s unconscionable that civilians are still dying and being wounded from cluster munitions 15 years after these weapons were prohibited,” said Mary Wareham from Human Rights Watch (HRW), during a press conference in Geneva.

The report also noted that 95 per cent of cluster munition-related casualties last year were civilians and three-quarters were children, given that they are often drawn to play with unexploded bomblets which look like shiny balls or batteries.

In 2022, most of the casualties were due to live bombs, said the report, unlike previous years where most deaths were nearly always due to delayed explosion of bomb remnants.&nbsp;

<h2>Use of cluster munitions during Ukraine war</h2>

Out of the 1,172 victims last year, Ukraine – which had not registered any cluster munition casualties for several years – recorded 916 deaths and injuries, nearly all of them involving civilians, said the CMC campaign group.&nbsp;

“The vast majority of the cluster munition rocket missile and artillery attacks in Ukraine…have been conducted by Russian forces,” said Wareham, who also participated in the report. She added, “That is I think the major reason for the uptick in civilian casualties.”&nbsp;

Ukraine has reported a total of 890 casualties – 294 deaths and 596 injuries – due to attacks using cluster munitions, said the monitor.&nbsp;

Russia has&nbsp;“repeatedly” used cluster munitions, said the CMC but it also noted&nbsp;that Ukraine has also deployed the controversial bomb but to a “lesser extent”. However, given that the data is from last year, it does not include Ukraine’s use of cluster bombs provided by the US this year.&nbsp;

“Ukrainian forces have also used cluster munitions, resulting in civilian casualties,” said the report. However, Kyiv has maintained that it only uses the cluster munition against Russian troops at the front line while Moscow has denied using them at all but has threatened to do so.&nbsp;

Russian officials after the <a>US’ announcement </a>have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-blames-the-west-kyiv-for-russian-journalists-death-in-ukraine-vows-response-618532">repeatedly accused</a> Ukraine of using cluster munitions against civilians. However, the number could be higher.&nbsp;

Loren Persi, a co-author of the report, said that many casualties in Ukraine might have gone unrecorded, suggesting that there were at least 51 cluster munition attacks in 2022 where casualties were not recorded.

<h2>What about other conflicts?</h2>

The monitor also documented the first known use of cluster bombs in countries like Myanmar last year. The report also accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-junta-will-likely-hold-elections-in-2025-report-632606">Myanmar military</a> and Syrian government forces of using cluster munitions and causing civilian harm.&nbsp;

Cluster munitions were also used in countries like Azerbaijan, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, and Yemen, according to the CMC report.&nbsp;

These countries are not among those who have joined the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) that prohibits the use, transfer, production and stockpiling of cluster bombs, which has been signed by 112 nations and 12 other signatories.&nbsp;

“The greatest obstacle to countries working to eradicate cluster munitions are governments that are unwilling to join the convention and that undermine its principles by using or transferring the weapon,” said Wareham.&nbsp;

This was after the HRW, in a statement, noted that at least 21 nations, including those in the West who support Ukraine’s war effort, criticised the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/cluster-bombs-for-ukraine-highlight-us-aversion-to-international-treaties-618749">US government’s decision</a> to transfer cluster bombs.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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The use of cluster munitions has led to the death or injuries of more than 1,000 people. Casualties by the bomb rose eightfold last year due to their use in the Russia-Ukraine war, said the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC), in its annual report on Tuesday (September 5).

The use of cluster munitions has led to the death or injuries of more than 1,000 people. Casualties by the bomb rose eightfold last year due to their use in the Russia-Ukraine war, said the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC), in its annual report on Tuesday (September 5). This comes months after the United States received criticism from its allies in Europe, the United Nations, and international organisations for sending the controversial cluster munitions to Ukraine for the first time since the Russian invasion, and amid Kyiv’s counteroffensive. Russia has “extensively” been using cluster bombs from its stockpile and also developed new ones during its “special military operation” in Ukraine, the monitor noted in its 96-page global ‘Cluster Munition Monitor 2023’ report. Highest number of deaths due to cluster bombs since 2008 According to the report, the deaths caused by cluster munitions were the highest since the 2008 ban on the bombs. However, the US and Ukraine, along with countries like China and Russia, are not a part of a treaty joined by more than 100 countries that enforces the restriction. The report by the CMC campaign group recorded some 353 deaths due to cluster munitions which is the most since the group began compiling its annual reports over a decade. Cluster munitions have been widely denounced for killing and maiming civilians as they typically release large numbers of smaller bomblets that had hit targets indiscriminately over a wide area, threatening civilians. Not to mention the small bomblets which do not explode when deployed and can pose a danger for years after a conflict ends. People who do survive the attack suffer severe injuries from blasts and burns that can result in life-long wounds which require medical attention. “It’s unconscionable that civilians are still dying and being wounded from cluster munitions 15 years after these weapons were prohibited,” said Mary Wareham from Human Rights Watch (HRW), during a press conference in Geneva. The report also noted that 95 per cent of cluster munition-related casualties last year were civilians and three-quarters were children, given that they are often drawn to play with unexploded bomblets which look like shiny balls or batteries. In 2022, most of the casualties were due to live bombs, said the report, unlike previous years where most deaths were nearly always due to delayed explosion of bomb remnants. Use of cluster munitions during Ukraine war Out of the 1,172 victims last year, Ukraine – which had not registered any cluster munition casualties for several years – recorded 916 deaths and injuries, nearly all of them involving civilians, said the CMC campaign group. “The vast majority of the cluster munition rocket missile and artillery attacks in Ukraine…have been conducted by Russian forces,” said Wareham, who also participated in the report. She added, “That is I think the major reason for the uptick in civilian casualties.” Ukraine has reported a total of 890 casualties – 294 deaths and 596 injuries – due to attacks using cluster munitions, said the monitor. Russia has “repeatedly” used cluster munitions, said the CMC but it also noted that Ukraine has also deployed the controversial bomb but to a “lesser extent”. However, given that the data is from last year, it does not include Ukraine’s use of cluster bombs provided by the US this year. “Ukrainian forces have also used cluster munitions, resulting in civilian casualties,” said the report. However, Kyiv has maintained that it only uses the cluster munition against Russian troops at the front line while Moscow has denied using them at all but has threatened to do so. Russian officials after the US’ announcement have repeatedly accused Ukraine of using cluster munitions against civilians. However, the number could be higher. Loren Persi, a co-author of the report, said that many casualties in Ukraine might have gone unrecorded, suggesting that there were at least 51 cluster munition attacks in 2022 where casualties were not recorded. What about other conflicts? The monitor also documented the first known use of cluster bombs in countries like Myanmar last year. The report also accused Myanmar military and Syrian government forces of using cluster munitions and causing civilian harm. Cluster munitions were also used in countries like Azerbaijan, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, and Yemen, according to the CMC report. These countries are not among those who have joined the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) that prohibits the use, transfer, production and stockpiling of cluster bombs, which has been signed by 112 nations and 12 other signatories. “The greatest obstacle to countries working to eradicate cluster munitions are governments that are unwilling to join the convention and that undermine its principles by using or transferring the weapon,” said Wareham. This was after the HRW, in a statement, noted that at least 21 nations, including those in the West who support Ukraine’s war effort, criticised the US government’s decision to transfer cluster bombs. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Use of cluster bombs causes over 1,000 casualties globally; Ukraine war drives surge

President Joe Biden’s decision to supply Ukraine with ammunition of a type banned by 111 countries under a binding treaty raised a question rarely raised in debates over American foreign policy: why did the United States fail to join this accord and a string of other key international treaties?&nbsp;

The US is not a signatory of the ban on land mines either, nor on the statute of the International Criminal Court, nor on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Washington signed but never ratified the Arms Trade Treaty which aims to halt the illicit trade of conventional arms.

The Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, a key pact agreed upon by 177 countries, never entered into force because the United States and seven other countries have not ratified it.

Lesser known global pacts from which the US stays away include one on persistent organic pollutants, &nbsp;one on biological diversity and one on the elimination of discrimination of women.

But back to cluster bombs. Dropped from aircraft or fired from artillery, these munitions open up in mid-air and release hundreds of bomblets over an area up to the size of several football fields. Anybody within the area hit by a cluster strike, civilian or military, is likely to be killed or injured. But the problem that rallied more than 100 countries to ban the weapons goes beyond the immediate strike.

Many of the small bombs released in a cluster strike fail to explode but can be set off years or even decades later. Exhibit A for delayed lethality is Laos. There, people – often children – still die or get wounded by handling or stepping on unexploded bomblets 50 years after the United States rained more than two million tons of ordnance on the country between 1964 and 1973 during the Vietnam War.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-are-cluster-bombs-which-us-is-set-to-provide-to-ukraine-why-it-is-facing-opposition-613067">ALSO READ| What are cluster bombs which US is set to provide to Ukraine? Why is it facing opposition?</a> 
 
And in Iraq, where the US used cluster munitions from 2003 to 2006, &nbsp;there are still reports of children being wounded by playing with unexploded bomblets.

The decision to supply Ukraine with cluster ammunition drew criticism from human rights organisations and even close US allies, including Canada, Britain, Spain, Germany and France UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also spoke out against the transfer.

It ran counter to a US law that prohibits the production, use or transfer of cluster munitions with a “dud” rate of more than one per cent. “Dud” refers to bomblets that fail to explode during a strike but remain a hazard for years or decades as is still happening in Laos and Iraq.

The dud rate of the shells shipped to Ukraine, drawn from a huge American arsenal of outdated cluster munitions, considerably exceeds the one-per cent limit, according to Pentagon officials. But President Joe Biden circumvented the export prohibition under a clause in the Foreign Assistance Act that allows exceptions in cases deemed vital to US national security.

Biden holds that a Ukrainian defeat would threaten not only American national security but that of the entire Western alliance. &nbsp;

The military logic of what Biden has described as a “difficult decision” &nbsp;is difficult to fault. Cluster munition is very effective. Ukraine is running out of the standard 155mm artillery it uses against the Russian invaders. Neither the US nor NATO countries can replenish the Ukrainian arsenal fast enough.&nbsp;

But the US has vast stockpiles of old cluster munition with a higher “dud’ rate than one percent and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin described the supplies as a stop-gap until Western arms factories can produce non-cluster rounds in sufficient quantity. That will take time. Ukraine is estimated to use more than 8,000 shells a day. US factories have been producing 14,000 rounds per month.&nbsp;

Let’s return to the question of why the United States has stayed outside so many international treaties, including the convention on cluster bombs. It is not the lone holdout – others are Russia, Ukraine, India, Pakistan, Israel and China. Russia has been using cluster bombs since the beginning of its invasion of Ukraine in February last year.

There is a difference. What makes the absence of the United States from key international treaties remarkable is its leading role after the Second World War in establishing what is often called “the rules-based international order.”

Washington drove the creation of international institutions centred on the United Nations, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. A huge commitment, through the Marshal Plan, to European recovery after the devastation of World War II helped Washington knit together a network of alliances.

That helps explain the deeply-held belief of many Americans that their country is a model for others to follow, a country suited for global leadership whose actions are evidence of moral authority.

That self-image came through loud and clear when the US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, was questioned about criticism of the cluster aid package from a number of Congressional Democrats. “Our moral authority has not derived from being a signatory to the Convention Against Cluster Munitions,” &nbsp;he told a television interviewer. “We are not (a signatory), we have not been, at any point since that convention came into effect…and the idea that providing Ukraine with a weapon in order for them to be able to defend their homeland, protect their civilians, is somehow a challenge to our moral authority — I find questionable.”

Note that while Sullivan stressed that the United States was not a signatory of the treaty he did not explain why it was not.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 

 
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President Joe Biden’s decision to supply Ukraine with ammunition of a type banned by 111 countries under a binding treaty raised a question rarely raised in debates over American foreign policy: why did the United States fail to join this accord and a string of other key international treaties?

President Joe Biden’s decision to supply Ukraine with ammunition of a type banned by 111 countries under a binding treaty raised a question rarely raised in debates over American foreign policy: why did the United States fail to join this accord and a string of other key international treaties? The US is not a signatory of the ban on land mines either, nor on the statute of the International Criminal Court, nor on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Washington signed but never ratified the Arms Trade Treaty which aims to halt the illicit trade of conventional arms. The Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, a key pact agreed upon by 177 countries, never entered into force because the United States and seven other countries have not ratified it. Lesser known global pacts from which the US stays away include one on persistent organic pollutants, one on biological diversity and one on the elimination of discrimination of women. But back to cluster bombs. Dropped from aircraft or fired from artillery, these munitions open up in mid-air and release hundreds of bomblets over an area up to the size of several football fields. Anybody within the area hit by a cluster strike, civilian or military, is likely to be killed or injured. But the problem that rallied more than 100 countries to ban the weapons goes beyond the immediate strike. Many of the small bombs released in a cluster strike fail to explode but can be set off years or even decades later. Exhibit A for delayed lethality is Laos. There, people – often children – still die or get wounded by handling or stepping on unexploded bomblets 50 years after the United States rained more than two million tons of ordnance on the country between 1964 and 1973 during the Vietnam War. ALSO READ| What are cluster bombs which US is set to provide to Ukraine? Why is it facing opposition? And in Iraq, where the US used cluster munitions from 2003 to 2006, there are still reports of children being wounded by playing with unexploded bomblets. The decision to supply Ukraine with cluster ammunition drew criticism from human rights organisations and even close US allies, including Canada, Britain, Spain, Germany and France UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also spoke out against the transfer. It ran counter to a US law that prohibits the production, use or transfer of cluster munitions with a “dud” rate of more than one per cent. “Dud” refers to bomblets that fail to explode during a strike but remain a hazard for years or decades as is still happening in Laos and Iraq. The dud rate of the shells shipped to Ukraine, drawn from a huge American arsenal of outdated cluster munitions, considerably exceeds the one-per cent limit, according to Pentagon officials. But President Joe Biden circumvented the export prohibition under a clause in the Foreign Assistance Act that allows exceptions in cases deemed vital to US national security. Biden holds that a Ukrainian defeat would threaten not only American national security but that of the entire Western alliance. The military logic of what Biden has described as a “difficult decision” is difficult to fault. Cluster munition is very effective. Ukraine is running out of the standard 155mm artillery it uses against the Russian invaders. Neither the US nor NATO countries can replenish the Ukrainian arsenal fast enough. But the US has vast stockpiles of old cluster munition with a higher “dud’ rate than one percent and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin described the supplies as a stop-gap until Western arms factories can produce non-cluster rounds in sufficient quantity. That will take time. Ukraine is estimated to use more than 8,000 shells a day. US factories have been producing 14,000 rounds per month. Let’s return to the question of why the United States has stayed outside so many international treaties, including the convention on cluster bombs. It is not the lone holdout – others are Russia, Ukraine, India, Pakistan, Israel and China. Russia has been using cluster bombs since the beginning of its invasion of Ukraine in February last year. There is a difference. What makes the absence of the United States from key international treaties remarkable is its leading role after the Second World War in establishing what is often called “the rules-based international order.” Washington drove the creation of international institutions centred on the United Nations, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. A huge commitment, through the Marshal Plan, to European recovery after the devastation of World War II helped Washington knit together a network of alliances. That helps explain the deeply-held belief of many Americans that their country is a model for others to follow, a country suited for global leadership whose actions are evidence of moral authority. That self-image came through loud and clear when the US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, was questioned about criticism of the cluster aid package from a number of Congressional Democrats. “Our moral authority has not derived from being a signatory to the Convention Against Cluster Munitions,” he told a television interviewer. “We are not (a signatory), we have not been, at any point since that convention came into effect…and the idea that providing Ukraine with a weapon in order for them to be able to defend their homeland, protect their civilians, is somehow a challenge to our moral authority — I find questionable.” Note that while Sullivan stressed that the United States was not a signatory of the treaty he did not explain why it was not. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE

Cluster bombs for Ukraine highlight US aversion to international treaties

A Russian journalist was killed and three were injured in Ukraine, on Saturday (July 22), said the country’s defence ministry in what it said was a Ukrainian attack using <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-are-cluster-bombs-which-us-is-set-to-provide-to-ukraine-why-it-is-facing-opposition-613067">cluster munitions</a> and has since prompted outrage in Moscow. Meanwhile, the Russian foreign ministry has blamed the West and Kyiv for what it described as a “heinous, premeditated crime” and vowed a “response”.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know about the Russian journalist’s death?</h2>

According to the Russian military, a war reporter for the state news agency RIA identified as Rostislav Zhuravlev was killed&nbsp;after coming under fire in Ukraine’s southeastern Zaporizhzhia region. Meanwhile, three of his colleagues were injured and were later evacuated from the battlefield.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-attempted-drone-attack-on-crimea-alleges-moscow-backed-authorities-618395">Ammunition depot in Crimea 'destroyed' in Ukraine drone attack, cluster munition fired in Russian village</a>

The war reporter was killed near the frontline village of Pytikhatki, said the Russian news agency. “As a result of a strike by the Ukrainian army using cluster munitions, four journalists were wounded in various levels of severity,” said the Russian defence ministry.&nbsp;

It added, “During an evacuation, the RIA Novosti journalist Rostislav Zhuravlev died from his wounds that resulted from the cluster munitions exploding.” Furthermore, the three journalists who got injured were said to be stable in hospital after the attack.

The Russian ministry said that the journalists attacked were in the midst of “gathering material for a report on the bombing by the Kyiv regime militants of settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region using cluster munitions banned in many countries around the world.”&nbsp;

<h2>Moscow fumes over attack on Russian journalists</h2>

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called the attack “criminal terror” by Ukraine and claimed that the attack appeared deliberate but did not provide any evidence for her claims.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-nations-rights-groups-and-un-oppose-us-move-to-send-cluster-bombs-to-ukraine-613459">Explained | Several nations, rights groups and UN oppose US move to send cluster bombs to Ukraine</a>

She added, “Those responsible for the brutal reprisal against a Russian journalist will inevitably suffer well-deserved punishment. The entire measure of responsibility will be shared by those who supplied cluster munitions to their Kyiv protégés.”&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the Russian upper house of parliament, Konstantin Kosachyov called the use of cluster munitions “inhuman” and blamed both the United States and Ukraine. Notably, human rights groups and the United Nations have reported that Russia has been using cluster munitions since the beginning of what it calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine.&nbsp;

<h2>German reporter wounded by Russian cluster munitions&nbsp;</h2>

In a separate incident which also took place on Saturday, German state-owned international broadcaster, Deutsche Welle (DW) reported that their cameraman was injured by shrapnel in an apparent cluster bomb attack by Russia which targeted the Ukrainian army training ground in Donbas.&nbsp;

The alleged attack took place at 12:10 pm (local time) when the DW team came under Russian artillery fire while filming at a Ukrainian army training ground near Druzhkivka, said the German broadcaster, in a statement.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-threatens-tit-for-tat-use-of-cluster-munitions-against-ukraine-616228">Putin threatens 'tit-for-tat' use of cluster munitions against Ukraine</a> 
 
Another DW correspondent Mathias Bolinger and a security escort, who was not named, were reported “unharmed.” The DW said that Shylko is being treated in a Ukrainian hospital and his condition was described as “stable so far”.&nbsp;

“We were filming the Ukrainian army during target practice when suddenly we heard several explosions. We lay down, more explosions followed, we saw people were wounded. Later, the Ukrainian army confirmed that we had been fired at with cluster munitions,” said Bolinger.

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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A Russian journalist was killed and three were injured in Ukraine, on Saturday (July 22), said the country’s defence ministry in what it said was a Ukrainian attack using cluster munitions and has since prompted outrage in Moscow.

A Russian journalist was killed and three were injured in Ukraine, on Saturday (July 22), said the country’s defence ministry in what it said was a Ukrainian attack using cluster munitions and has since prompted outrage in Moscow. Meanwhile, the Russian foreign ministry has blamed the West and Kyiv for what it described as a “heinous, premeditated crime” and vowed a “response”. What do we know about the Russian journalist’s death? According to the Russian military, a war reporter for the state news agency RIA identified as Rostislav Zhuravlev was killed after coming under fire in Ukraine’s southeastern Zaporizhzhia region. Meanwhile, three of his colleagues were injured and were later evacuated from the battlefield. ALSO READ | Ammunition depot in Crimea 'destroyed' in Ukraine drone attack, cluster munition fired in Russian village The war reporter was killed near the frontline village of Pytikhatki, said the Russian news agency. “As a result of a strike by the Ukrainian army using cluster munitions, four journalists were wounded in various levels of severity,” said the Russian defence ministry. It added, “During an evacuation, the RIA Novosti journalist Rostislav Zhuravlev died from his wounds that resulted from the cluster munitions exploding.” Furthermore, the three journalists who got injured were said to be stable in hospital after the attack. The Russian ministry said that the journalists attacked were in the midst of “gathering material for a report on the bombing by the Kyiv regime militants of settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region using cluster munitions banned in many countries around the world.” Moscow fumes over attack on Russian journalists Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called the attack “criminal terror” by Ukraine and claimed that the attack appeared deliberate but did not provide any evidence for her claims. ALSO READ | Explained | Several nations, rights groups and UN oppose US move to send cluster bombs to Ukraine She added, “Those responsible for the brutal reprisal against a Russian journalist will inevitably suffer well-deserved punishment. The entire measure of responsibility will be shared by those who supplied cluster munitions to their Kyiv protégés.” Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the Russian upper house of parliament, Konstantin Kosachyov called the use of cluster munitions “inhuman” and blamed both the United States and Ukraine. Notably, human rights groups and the United Nations have reported that Russia has been using cluster munitions since the beginning of what it calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine. German reporter wounded by Russian cluster munitions In a separate incident which also took place on Saturday, German state-owned international broadcaster, Deutsche Welle (DW) reported that their cameraman was injured by shrapnel in an apparent cluster bomb attack by Russia which targeted the Ukrainian army training ground in Donbas. The alleged attack took place at 12:10 pm (local time) when the DW team came under Russian artillery fire while filming at a Ukrainian army training ground near Druzhkivka, said the German broadcaster, in a statement. ALSO READ | Putin threatens 'tit-for-tat' use of cluster munitions against Ukraine Another DW correspondent Mathias Bolinger and a security escort, who was not named, were reported “unharmed.” The DW said that Shylko is being treated in a Ukrainian hospital and his condition was described as “stable so far”. “We were filming the Ukrainian army during target practice when suddenly we heard several explosions. We lay down, more explosions followed, we saw people were wounded. Later, the Ukrainian army confirmed that we had been fired at with cluster munitions,” said Bolinger. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Moscow blames the West, Kyiv for Russian journalist’s death in Ukraine, vows ‘response’

In a tit-for-tat response, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned that if the United States supplies cluster bombs to Ukraine, Russia would be compelled to use similar weapons, reports said citing Russian news agencies.

Cluster munitions, also known as cluster bombs or cluster submunitions, are a type of weapon that consists of a container or shell filled with numerous smaller explosive submunitions. When the main munition is deployed, it opens up in mid-air or upon impact, releasing the submunitions over a wide area.&nbsp;These explosive devices are banned by over 100 countries.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trial-opens-over-new-zealands-2019-white-island-volcanic-eruption-incident-that-killed-22-614451">Trial opens over New Zealand's 2019 White Island volcanic eruption incident that killed 22</a>

Shoigu stated that while Russia possesses cluster munitions, it has refrained from using them thus far in its "military operations" in Ukraine.

However, the United States has previously accused Russia of employing cluster munitions in Ukraine, resulting in a significant number of unexploded bomblets.

The US claims that the cluster munitions it intends to provide to Ukraine have a lower failure rate compared to those used by Russia.

<h2>Russia's cluster munitions more effective: Shoigu&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, the Russian defence minister said that Russia's cluster munitions are more effective than the American ones and that the Russian army is taking measures to protect its troops from such weapons.

"In the event that the United States supplies cluster munitions to Ukraine, the Russian armed forces will be forced to use similar weapons against the armed forces of Ukraine as a response," Shoigu said on Tuesday.

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Moreover, Human Rights Watch has reported the use of cluster munitions by both Russia and Ukraine during the ongoing conflict, referred to by Russia as a "special military operation."

Neither the US, Russia, nor Ukraine are signatories to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

Watch | Why US military deals are not enough to wean India off Russian arms yet

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US officials claim that they approved Ukraine's request for cluster bombs when it became apparent that Ukraine was running out of its&nbsp;regular artillery ammunition, and domestic production could not meet its needs.

However, several close allies of the United States, including Britain, Canada, and Germany, have expressed opposition to the use of cluster munitions.

In addition, Shoigu mentioned that Russia is significantly reducing Ukraine's counteroffensive capabilities, and Russian forces have gained ground during their own counterattack in the eastern Donetsk region.

(Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.)

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In a tit-for-tat response, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned that if the United States supplies cluster bombs to Ukraine, Russia would be compelled to use similar weapons, reports said citing Russian news agencies.

In a tit-for-tat response, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned that if the United States supplies cluster bombs to Ukraine, Russia would be compelled to use similar weapons, reports said citing Russian news agencies. Cluster munitions, also known as cluster bombs or cluster submunitions, are a type of weapon that consists of a container or shell filled with numerous smaller explosive submunitions. When the main munition is deployed, it opens up in mid-air or upon impact, releasing the submunitions over a wide area. These explosive devices are banned by over 100 countries. Also Read | Trial opens over New Zealand's 2019 White Island volcanic eruption incident that killed 22 Shoigu stated that while Russia possesses cluster munitions, it has refrained from using them thus far in its "military operations" in Ukraine. However, the United States has previously accused Russia of employing cluster munitions in Ukraine, resulting in a significant number of unexploded bomblets. The US claims that the cluster munitions it intends to provide to Ukraine have a lower failure rate compared to those used by Russia. Russia's cluster munitions more effective: Shoigu Meanwhile, the Russian defence minister said that Russia's cluster munitions are more effective than the American ones and that the Russian army is taking measures to protect its troops from such weapons. "In the event that the United States supplies cluster munitions to Ukraine, the Russian armed forces will be forced to use similar weapons against the armed forces of Ukraine as a response," Shoigu said on Tuesday. Also Read | Thailand's outgoing prime minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha announces retirement from politics Moreover, Human Rights Watch has reported the use of cluster munitions by both Russia and Ukraine during the ongoing conflict, referred to by Russia as a "special military operation." Neither the US, Russia, nor Ukraine are signatories to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. Watch | Why US military deals are not enough to wean India off Russian arms yet × US officials claim that they approved Ukraine's request for cluster bombs when it became apparent that Ukraine was running out of its regular artillery ammunition, and domestic production could not meet its needs. However, several close allies of the United States, including Britain, Canada, and Germany, have expressed opposition to the use of cluster munitions. In addition, Shoigu mentioned that Russia is significantly reducing Ukraine's counteroffensive capabilities, and Russian forces have gained ground during their own counterattack in the eastern Donetsk region. (Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Russia warns of using 'similar weapons' if US provides cluster bombs to Ukraine

Amid concerns over the use of cluster bombs by Ukraine for its counteroffensive against Russia, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov tweeted on Saturday (July 8) that cluster munitions would not be used in Russia.

Amid concerns over the use of cluster bombs by Ukraine for its counteroffensive against Russia, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov tweeted on Saturday (July 8) that cluster munitions would not be used in Russia. "Ukraine will use these munitions only for the de-occupation of our internationally recognised territories. These munitions will not be used on the officially recognized territory of Russia," Defence Minister Reznikov said. We welcome the decision of the US to provide Ukraine with the new liberation weapons that will significantly help us to de-occupy our territories while saving the lives of the Ukrainian soldiers. Under Article 51 of the UN Charter Ukraine has a universal internationally… — Oleksii Reznikov (@oleksiireznikov) July 7, 2023 × "We will not be using cluster munitions in urban areas (cities) to avoid the risks for the civilian populations - these are our people, they are Ukrainians we have a duty to protect. Cluster munitions will be used only in the fields where there is a concentration of Russian military," he added. Reznikov also said that his government would keep a strict record of the use of these weapons and the local zones where they would be used. "We will report to our partners about the use of these munitions, and about their efficiency to ensure the appropriate standard of transparent reporting and control," the defence minister further said. The opposition Many allies of the United States (US), including the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada, have opposed Washington's decision to send cluster bombs to war-torn Ukraine. On Friday, the US announced that it would supply Ukraine with the widely banned cluster munitions for its counteroffensive against occupying Russian forces, the news agency Reuters reported. The cluster bombs are part of an $800 million security package that brings total American military aid to more than $40 billion since the beginning of the Russian offensive. Also read | Several nations, rights groups and UN oppose US move to send cluster bombs to Ukraine The cluster munitions "will deliver in a time frame that is relevant for the counteroffensive," a Pentagon official told reporters. Cluster munitions are currently prohibited in over 100 countries. The US, Russia and Ukraine have not signed on to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), which bans the production, stockpiling, use and transfer of weapons. 'No to cluster bombs' On Saturday, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that Britain was a signatory to the convention that prohibited the production or use of cluster munitions and discouraged their use. "We will continue to do our part to support Ukraine against Russia's illegal and unprovoked invasion. We have done that by providing heavy battle tanks, and most recently long-range weapons. Hopefully, all countries can continue to support Ukraine. Russia's act of barbarism is causing untold suffering to millions of people," Prime Minister Sunak added. In a statement, Canada said, "We do not support the use of cluster munitions and are committed to putting an end to the effects cluster munitions have on civilians – particularly children." "Canada is fully compliant with the Convention and we take seriously our obligation under the Convention to encourage its universal adoption," the statement added. Spain's Defence Minister Margarita Robles, meanwhile, said her country had a firm commitment that certain weapons and bombs could not be delivered under any circumstances, Reuters reported. Addressing a press conference in Madrid on Saturday ahead of the July 23 national election, Defence Minister Robles said, "No to cluster bombs and yes to the legitimate defence of Ukraine, which we understand should not be carried out with cluster bombs." United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also opposed the use of cluster munitions and expressed support for the convention. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war: Won't use cluster bombs in Russia, says Kyiv