If they help Ukraine achieve a breakthrough, the decision might be justified, but this is a very controversial issue. Therefore, given the strategic importance of the Ukrainian offensive and the Russian focus on Bakhmut, there is a clear time imperative for President Zelenskyy to use all weapons at his disposal to defeat the Russian invaders. President Zelenskyy has appealed for more weapons, but his major challenge is finding a way through established Russian defences - trenches and minefields.ĭespite the controversy, neither America nor Russia have banned cluster weapons, and Ukraine has used them before in this war.Ĭluster munitions could provide an effective way to clear the minefield, and America has large stockpiles of these weapons. However, over a month into Ukraine's "spring offensive", Kyiv has yet to gain momentum. This will inevitably hollow out the Russian military reserves available to combat any Ukrainian breakthrough in southern Ukraine. The Russian army has not performed well to date, so Putin appears to be diverting military resources to reinforce Bakhmut. This symbolic victory was widely celebrated in Russia Putin will not want to lose that city again.īut, it was the Wagner group of mercenaries that delivered that rare Russian success, and they have been "confined to barracks" following Yevgeny Prigozhin's abortive coup attempt. Why? Following nearly a year of grinding attritional warfare, Russia eventually seized Bakhmut earlier this year. So how to do these tie together? Our military analyst Sean Bell explains what's been going on in the eastern city and the impact cluster munitions will have there.Īlthough the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine has limited military significance, it is once again a focus for both Russia and Ukraine military forces. We've also told you that Ukraine has made "steady gains" around the Russian-held city of Bakhmut, and fighting in the area has intensified over the last seven days. The weapons, which have been banned by 120 countries, are a source of great debate, with some arguing they kill indiscriminately and can pose a long-term risk to civilians if they fail to detonate. Throughout the day, we have been reporting a lot on Joe Biden's decision to send controversial cluster munitions to Ukraine.
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