The United States announced today, Friday, that it will supply Ukraine with cluster munitions as part of an $800 million security assistance package. President Joe Biden stated that it was a "difficult decision" to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions for the first time, but he was ultimately convinced to send the controversial weapons because Kyiv needs ammunition for its counter-offensive against Russia. In an interview with CNN aired today, he said, "I don’t think there is a consensus in NATO about whether to bring Ukraine into the alliance's family right now, amidst the war." He added that he does not believe there is a consensus within NATO regarding granting military membership to Ukraine at this time due to the Russian invasion.
For its part, Ukraine stated that providing it with cluster bombs would have an "extraordinary psychological effect" on Russian troops, noting that this type of weapon is internationally prohibited. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan commented on the move, stating, "Providing Ukraine with cluster munitions is the right thing to do." He indicated that "Ukraine has committed to using cluster munitions in a way that does not harm civilians," explaining that the Pentagon will announce the type of cluster munitions intended to be sent.
Biden is set to attend the NATO summit in Lithuania, where he will affirm ongoing military support for Ukraine, while noting that "Ukraine will not participate in this summit." The White House confirmed that "while Ukraine will not join NATO following next week's summit, member countries will discuss the necessary steps for Kyiv to qualify for alliance membership." NATO Secretary General announced today that the alliance will show unity at next week's summit regarding ways to bring Kyiv closer to membership, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rallies support for his country's accession during a tour of several member states.
