Washington D.C., USA – Nineteen members of the US Congress have voiced their opposition to the decision to supply cluster munitions to Ukraine. The congressmen released a joint statement expressing their concerns and emphasizing the risks posed by such weapons to the civilian population, reports Reuters.
In their statement, the congressmen highlighted the United States’ commitment to upholding human rights and stressed that this commitment should include a refusal to transfer cluster munitions. They emphasized that these weapons, by their very design, carry serious risks for civilians and should not be provided to any party involved in a conflict.
The statement also pointed out that supporting Kyiv should not cast doubt on US efforts to advance human rights and protect civilian lives. It further criticized the decision, stating that it contradicts congressional restrictions on the transfer of cluster munitions and undermines the country’s moral leadership.
The authors of the statement called for continued efforts to pressure the United States to join the international community in banning the use of cluster bombs. They emphasized the need for responsible and ethical decision-making in the arms trade, especially when it comes to weapons that pose significant risks to civilian populations.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has also reacted to the decision, expressing concern over the supply of cluster munitions to Ukraine. Maria Zakharova, the official spokesperson for the ministry, stated that this decision would endanger civilians, including children. The ministry further criticized the United States for becoming an accomplice in the mining of territories, emphasizing that they should be held responsible for any harm caused to the civilian population as a result of explosions.
The opposition from members of the US Congress reflects a growing awareness and concern regarding the use and transfer of cluster munitions. The risks they pose to civilian lives have been widely documented, leading to international efforts to ban these weapons. The opposition aims to uphold ethical standards in the arms trade and protect innocent lives caught in conflict zones.
As the debate surrounding cluster munitions continues, it remains to be seen how the US government will respond to the concerns raised by these congressmen and the broader international community. The focus on human rights and civilian protection highlights the importance of responsible decision-making and the need to prioritize the welfare of innocent civilians in conflict zones.
