US weighing cluster munitions for Ukraine, could make decision this week — CBS

Washington is considering approving this long-standing request from Ukraine to help meet the Ukrainian Armed Forces' demand for ammunition during its ongoing counter-offensive, the report said.

The Pentagon had previously stated that it would not object to Ukraine receiving cluster munitions, which, according to the U.S. military, would be useful in the fight against Russian occupation forces.

Ukraine has repeatedly asked Washington to supply cluster munitions, including MK-20 air-launched bombs. The military views them as an effective way to stop the Russian human wave assaults.

The U.S. Congress supported Kyiv's request, but the White House opposed it due to a 2008 international treaty that bans the production, use, and stockpiling of cluster munitions.

The treaty was adopted by 123 countries, including 28 NATO members, although the United States, Ukraine, and Russia have not joined the pact.

Cluster munitions are designed to destroy infantry and light armored vehicles in open terrain. They break up into dozens of smaller charges that can remain on the battlefield for years if they do not explode immediately.

The use of cluster munitions against civilian objects and civilians is prohibited. However, Russia has repeatedly violated this law during its full-scale war against Ukraine.