OTTAWA: Canada has said that it has opposed the use of cluster munitions that the US will send to Ukraine for its counteroffensive against Russia, reiterating a promise to the Oslo pact that bans the disputed weapon.
Earlier, the United States (US) said on Friday that it would provide cluster bombs as part of fresh defense package to Ukraine. Kyiv has welcomed Washington’s decision, adding it would help liberate territories of Ukraine, but pledged the Cluster Bombs would not be used against Russia.
Canada Opposes Use of Cluster Bombs in Ukraine
In a statement, the government of Canada said that they did not support the use of cluster bombs and were committed to putting an end to the effects the weapons on civilian population especially children.
Similarly, Germany, and the United Nations chief Antonio Guterres have also opposed the US’s decision to send cluster munitions to Kyiv. “Canada is completely compliant with the international convention and we take seriously our responsibility under the pact to encourage its worldwide adoption,” the government said.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that Britain is part of a convention that “discourages” the use of cluster munitions, following the announcement by the United States that it plans to send these controversial weapons to Ukraine.
The decision by Washington to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups, who highlight the ongoing danger posed by unexploded bomblets even after a conflict has ended.
Earlier the Spanish defence minister, Margarita Robles, said that cluster bombs should not be sent to Ukraine, following the announcement by the United States that it would provide such weapons to Kyiv to support its counter-offensive against Russian forces.
Robles, speaking during a rally in Madrid ahead of the national election on July 23, emphasized Spain’s firm commitment to Ukraine while also affirming that certain weapons and bombs should not be delivered under any circumstances. She stated, “No to cluster bombs and yes to the legitimate defense of Ukraine, which we understand should not be carried out with cluster bombs.”
Neither Russia, Ukraine, nor the United States have signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, an international treaty that prohibits the production, stockpiling, use, and transfer of these weapons.
