Cluster munitions

 Via Bard, July 8/23:

Question: Are Russia and Ukraine currently using cluster munitions in the Ukrainian war?

Response: Yes, both Russia and Ukraine have used cluster munitions in the Ukrainian war. The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission has confirmed that the Russian military used cluster weapons in Ukrainian settlements at least 16 times during the first month of the war in 2022. At the end of March, the head of the UN Human Rights Council, Michelle Bachelet, reported at least 24 cases since the invasion began.

Human Rights Watch has also documented the use of cluster munitions by Ukrainian forces. In a report released in July 2022, the organization found that Ukrainian forces had used Turkish-provided cluster munitions in and around the city of Izium in eastern Ukraine. The report found that the use of cluster munitions by both sides had caused civilian casualties and had posed a serious risk to civilians.

Cluster munitions are banned by more than 100 countries under the Convention on Cluster Munitions. The convention prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions. However, neither Russia nor Ukraine is a party to the convention.

The use of cluster munitions in the Ukrainian war has been condemned by human rights groups and humanitarian organizations. They have called on both sides to stop using the weapons and to clear any unexploded ordnance that has been left behind.