The UK is party to a treaty that bans the production or use of cluster munitions and discourages their use. This was reported today by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, after the United States announced its intention to supply it to Ukraine.
Sunak said the UK was one of 123 signatories to a convention that banned its use after the US president made the “difficult decision” to supply cluster bombs to Ukraine. The British prime minister, who is due to meet US President Joe Biden in London on Monday ahead of a NATO summit, said the UK was instead supporting Kiev by supplying tanks and long-range weapons.
Biden has been criticized for supplying the banned munitions to many defense alliance allies due to their reputation for killing many civilians. The president tried to justify the bombings by claiming that Ukrainians are running out of ammunition. Also, according to Biden, this is a temporary measure to stop Moscow’s tanks.
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However, Sunak chose not to support the move, citing the UK’s commitment to the Cluster Munitions Convention. “The UK has signed a convention which prohibits the manufacture or use of cluster munitions and discourages their use,” he told broadcasters. “We will continue to do our part to support Ukraine against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion and hope that all countries can continue to support Ukraine.”
According to Sunak, “Russia’s barbaric act” causes untold suffering to millions of people. “It is good that we collectively oppose it and next week I am going to the NATO summit in Vilnius where we will discuss with our allies how to strengthen our support for Ukraine.” The United States has reported that Kiev has given assurances that it will not use cluster bombs in urban areas. But some NATO allies will no doubt be concerned about their handover.
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
