Using cluster munitions in Ukraine is controversial and involves difficult trade-offs, both militarily and politically. That’s according to Kjell Engelbrekt, professor at the Norwegian Defense Academy.
– I think that the use may be affected by public opinion, he says.
The US announced on Friday that it will send cluster bombs to Ukraine. The White House itself has called the decision “difficult”, and the controversial type of weapon has been banned in over 120 countries, including Sweden.
Cluster bombs consist of a number of smaller explosive charges spread over a large area. Some of the charges risk lying undetonated on the ground long after the fighting has ended – posing a danger to civilians over time.
According to Kjell Engelbrekt, professor of political science at the Norwegian Defense Academy, the ammunition is partly intended to compensate for Ukraine’s dwindling stockpile of artillery ammunition.
– Using cluster munitions is a trade-off in several ways, and it is controversial. On the one hand, this munition could be more effective against the Russians, who are not only buried deep but scattered in several trenches.
– On the other hand, I think people are reluctant to use it in places where they themselves want to make advances, because the ground may then have to be cleared, he says.
Small percentage does not explode
Using cluster bombs also risks harming one’s own civilian population in the long term, even in cases where only a small percentage of the charges remain undetonated.
– Under ideal circumstances, there is quite a bit of the American ammunition that will not explode. Between two and three percent is expected for the ammunition that will be delivered.
– But if you were to use it in a certain type of terrain, for example clay, a much larger percentage will not explode. And then the problem becomes bigger.
Russia wants to influence public opinion
Despite the fact that a large number of countries – which are also part of NATO – have banned the ammunition, the decision has not met with any major opposition at government level, according to Kjell Engelbrekt. One explanation is the urgent need for ammunition that Ukraine currently has.
– I think that many military professionals can understand why the delivery may be necessary, but I think that there are other parts of society in Western Europe and in the United States that are critical.
Kjell Engelbrekt believes that Ukraine will use the ammunition selectively, partly in view of the political controversies.
– Russian state-controlled media have also made a big deal out of this. It is hoped to be able to influence public opinion in, for example, the West and Latin America. They highlight that this is problematic, but do not mention that Russia itself is using cluster bombs in Ukraine.