Sullivan stressed that without the provision of cluster munitions, Kyiv’s forces would lack sufficient artillery ammunition for both defensive operations and counteroffensives.
"We were not prepared to leave Ukraine defenseless. Period," said Sullivan.
He then noted that the United States views this decision as a temporary one, as efforts to significantly ramp up production of conventional artillery ammunition have been underway for several months. Once production levels meet Ukraine's requirements, there will be no further need for supplying cluster munitions.
“You’re right that we view that as temporary because many months ago, we began the intensive process of ramping up our unitary round production,” the official said.
“Once it hits a level where unitary round production can satisfy Ukraine’s needs, then there will be no need to continue giving cluster munitions.”
Although Sullivan affirmed that this process will take several months, he refrained from providing a precise timeline.
On July 7, Washington announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine, which includes Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions (DPICM), also known as cluster munitions. U.S. President Joe Biden later clarified his decision to supply these munitions was made in light of the Ukrainian military's dwindling artillery stock.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov later emphasized that these armaments will only be used in efforts to reclaim Ukrainian territories, and not in populated areas. He also pledged to maintain meticulous records of their usage, promising to share reports on their deployment and effectiveness with Ukraine's international partners. These steps will make it possible to sweep these areas for unexploded charges post-war, as they pose a danger to civilians.