The US can provide long-range missiles containing cluster munitions to Ukraine
(Dan Tri) – The US government may transfer long-range missiles containing cluster munitions to Ukraine, a move that, if it happens, could help Kiev attack Russia’s position deeper on the other side of the front line.
A Ukrainian soldier stands near the HIMARS multiple launch fire complex (Photo: Washington Post).
Reuters cited four US officials as saying that President Joe Biden’s administration appears to be about to approve the aid of long-range missiles containing cluster munitions to Ukraine.
Accordingly, after witnessing the effectiveness of cluster munitions integrated into 155mm artillery shells that the US previously granted to Ukraine, Washington seems to consider transferring one of two or both other weapons including ATACMS missiles used for HIMARS (
Ukraine is using 155mm guns containing cluster ammunition with a maximum range of 28km.
The White House declined to comment on the information provided by Reuters.
The Biden administration is still taking a rather cautious approach regarding providing long-range weapons to Ukraine because of concerns that they could be used to attack Russian territory – a development that could escalate the conflict.
Previously, Dan Rice, a former US military officer, commented that long-range rockets containing cluster bullets fired from HIMARS could be the key to helping Ukraine penetrate Russia’s fortified defense network.
`If Ukraine had 2,000 rockets containing cluster munitions, I think the war (with Russia) would end,` Mr. Rice – who was an advisor to the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian armed forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi – commented.
According to Mr. Rice, rockets containing cluster munitions will allow Ukrainian soldiers to `hunt` Russian artillery – weapons that cause large casualties in Kiev.
Cannons are one of Russia’s most powerful defenses.
The `king of the battlefield` artillery force is considered the backbone of the special military campaign conducted by Russia.
`When Ukraine tries to penetrate the 3.2km long minefield, they will have to move meter by meter. Russia’s powerful artillery force is waiting to fire. Not to mention Russia’s UAVs are ready to attack and eliminate the target.`
According to Mr. Rice’s calculations, compared to the 155mm cluster ammunition Ukraine currently possesses, long-range rockets containing cluster ammunition will increase the likelihood of Ukraine hitting Russian artillery systems by 88 times.
Cluster bullets are weapons with wide area damage, helping to attack many targets at the same time.
The use of cluster bombs has been banned by more than 120 countries globally, except Russia, the US, and Ukraine.
In addition, US officials said, Kiev has made a written commitment to Washington that it will not use cluster munitions in residential areas and that it will retain information about where it uses the munitions.