An important step has been taken by the United States. The White House has indeed announced that it wants to supply cluster munitions to Ukraine, to enable the country to defend itself against the Russian invasion. This is the first time that this type of armament has been supplied by Washington.
“It’s a tough decision. We delayed it” for a while, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters, adding that it was “the right thing to do.” He claimed President Joe Biden made the decision in consultation with allies and after a “unanimous recommendation” from his administration.
The official further assured that the Ukrainians had provided guarantees “in writing” on the use they would make of these weapons to minimize “the risks posed to civilians”.
Sullivan also indicated that Ukraine will not “join NATO” after the Vilnius summit, scheduled for next week, although the issue will be discussed at the event. Kyiv “still has many steps to take before it can become a member” of the Atlantic Alliance, he said.
On social media, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked his American counterpart for this “indispensable, extensive and timely” military aid. “Increasing Ukraine’s defense capabilities will bring new tools to liberate our territory and bring us closer to peace,” he added.
