UK ‘discourages’ use of cluster bombs, PM says after Biden agrees to send them to Ukraine

UK

Rishi Sunak has said the UK “discourages” the use of cluster bombs after the US agreed to send them to Ukraine.

President Joe Biden has faced criticism for supplying the munitions, which are banned by many allies because of their track record of killing many civilians.

The prime minister said the UK was one of 123 countries that signed a convention banning their use, and would continue focusing on supplying tanks and long-range weapons to help the fight against Russia.

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“We will continue to do our part to support Ukraine against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion, but we’ve done that by providing heavy battle tanks and most recently long-range weapons, and hopefully all countries can continue to support Ukraine,” he added.

Mr Sunak will meet Mr Biden in London on Monday ahead of a NATO summit.

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What are cluster bombs?

Cluster bombs detonate in the air and release “bomblets” that scatter over a large area.

Opponents say they kill indiscriminately and that some of the smaller munitions can fail to detonate, posing a long-term risk to civilians.

Mr Biden has called it a “difficult decision” but said he had to act as “the Ukrainians are running out of ammunition”.