Russia accused of massive use of cluster munitions in Ukraine
In its annual report, the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC) accuses Russia of having massively used cluster munitions in Ukraine, causing hundreds of civilian casualties and damaging homes, schools and hospitals, the watchdog said Thursday. “Hundreds of cluster munition attacks by Russian forces have been documented, reported or allegedly occurred in Ukraine this year”writes the CMC. “Ukrainian forces also appear to have used the weapon on several occasions in the ongoing conflict”which began on February 24 with the Russian offensive, according to the organization.
“Russia’s massive use in Ukraine of internationally banned cluster munitions demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life, humanitarian principles, and legal standards”said Mary Wareham, editor of the report’s prohibition policies chapter. “An unequivocal condemnation of the ongoing use of cluster munitions in Ukraine is crucial to reinforce the stigma of these weapons and end the threat they pose”she added.
The 100-page report comes as states parties to the convention prepare for their annual meeting, which will take place from August 30 to September 2 at the United Nations headquarters in Europe, in Geneva. Russia is further urged to “put an immediate end to these indiscriminate attacks and calls on all signatories to take steps to renounce these weapons and join the convention without delay”.
Neither Russia nor Ukraine has joined the convention banning these weapons, which has 110 states parties and 13 other signatories.