US Congress calls for urgent transfer of cluster bombs to Ukraine
US Congress calls for urgent transfer of cluster bombs to Ukraine (Getty Images)
The US Congress said that the American military is currently sitting on a surplus of cluster bombs, igniting discussions among lawmakers about the need to allocate more of these munitions to Ukraine, according to Congressman Joe Wilson of the Republican Party during hearings in the US House of Representatives.
There's an expressed hope that cluster bombs will swiftly find their way into Ukrainian hands.
"We have surpluses that must be destroyed. I know a way to destroy them, and that is to send them to the people of Ukraine," said Wilson.
During his appearance in the House of Representatives, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin commented on the provision of long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, affirming that the US will provide Ukraine with as many opportunities as they can.
Congressman Joe Wilson is a staunch supporter of Ukraine, having visited the country last year as part of a House delegation. During their visit, the delegation held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Note: Cluster bombs, as explained, are ordnance or missiles that disperse smaller bomblets upon detonation, offering the advantage of affecting a larger area.
ATACMS for Ukraine
Ukraine received long-range missiles from allies last year, including the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. Washington provided ATACMS missiles with a range of up to 165 km.
Previously, Western media speculated that the US might soon supply Ukraine with more ATACMS missiles, with reports even suggesting missiles with a range of up to 300 km could be on the table.
For more details on American ATACMS missiles, refer to RBC-Ukraine's coverage.
