Russia would respond with ‘Cluster Bomb’, if used by Ukraine

In a recent statement, President Vladimir Putin affirmed that Russia possesses an ample supply of cluster bombs and would not hesitate to use them in the event that such munitions were deployed against Russian forces in Ukraine. While Putin acknowledged that he considers the use of cluster bombs a crime, he emphasized that Russia reserves the right to respond in kind if necessary.

This statement comes after Ukraine announced that it had received cluster bombs from the United States, its main military supporter, citing a need to address shortages of shells for its counteroffensive efforts. Cluster munitions are banned in over 100 countries due to their indiscriminate nature, often resulting in the release of numerous smaller bomblets that can pose a significant threat, especially to civilians and children, as some fail to detonate and remain dangerous for many years.

Kyiv has stated its intention to use cluster bombs to target concentrations of enemy soldiers within its own territory but assured that it would not employ them on Russian soil. In response, Putin stated that Russia possesses a stockpile of various types of cluster bombs but has not used them thus far. He reiterated that if these munitions were employed against Russian forces, reciprocal action would be taken.

Putin condemned the use of cluster bombs as a crime, and although Russia has faced ammunition shortages in the past, it has refrained from using such weapons.

“I want to note that in the Russian Federation there is a sufficient stockpile of different kinds of cluster bombs. We have not used them yet. But of course if they are used against us, we reserve the right to take reciprocal action.” He said while talking to Russia’s national television.

Human Rights Watch has reported that both Russia and Ukraine have used cluster munitions, highlighting the urgency of the issue. It is worth noting that Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have not ratified the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the production, stockpiling, use, and transfer of these weapons.

Furthermore, Putin mentioned that he sees no issue with Russian specialists examining captured Western military equipment and missiles, such as the Storm Shadow missiles supplied by Britain to Ukraine. The purpose of this examination is to assess whether any useful knowledge can be applied to Russia’s own military hardware.