On July 8, a day after the US announced it was sending cluster bombs to support Ukraine's counter-offensive, Spain and the UK voiced their opposition.
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| Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles affirmed that Spain says "No" to cluster bombs. (Source: US News) |
Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles affirmed: “Spain, based on its consistent commitment to Ukraine, is firmly committed that certain types of weapons and bombs cannot be transferred to Ukraine under any circumstances.
Spain says 'No' to cluster bombs and 'Yes' to Ukraine's legitimate right to self-defense, but we believe that cluster bombs should not be used."
Minister Robles stressed that the decision to send cluster bombs to Ukraine was the US government's, not the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), of which Spain is a member.
Cluster bombs are bombs that disperse multiple smaller bomblets, capable of causing widespread damage. Unexploded bombs can remain dangerous for decades. As a result, cluster bombs are banned in more than 100 countries, including Spain.
On the same day, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also announced that London is a signatory to the treaty banning the production and use of cluster bombs and that London does not encourage the use of this type of weapon.
Meanwhile, from the Ukrainian side, Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov welcomed the US decision to send cluster bombs to Kiev, affirming that the US move would be useful and pledging that this type of weapon would not be used in Russia.
Mr. Reznikov stated that cluster bombs will contribute to saving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers, Kiev will strictly monitor the use of this weapon and exchange information with partners.
In a post on Twitter, Minister Reznikov affirmed: “Ukraine will use these weapons only for the liberation of internationally recognized territories. These bombs will not be used on the territory officially recognized by Russia.”
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