The Biden administration is reportedly close to approving the shipment of longer-range missiles armed with cluster bombs to Ukraine, potentially enabling Kyiv to cause significant damage within Russian-occupied territory. The options under consideration include Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) with a range of up to 190 miles or Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles with a 45-mile range. The decision is not final and could still fall through, as the administration has been cautious about appearing overly aggressive towards Russia. However, with Ukraine's push against Russian forces showing progress, the administration is keen to bolster the Ukrainian military. Cluster munitions are prohibited by many countries, but Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have not signed onto the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
The Biden administration is reportedly close to approving the shipment of longer-range missiles armed with cluster bombs to Ukraine, which would enable Kyiv to cause significant damage within Russian-occupied territory. The options under consideration are the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) with a range of up to 190 miles or the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles with a 45-mile range. The decision is not final and could still fall through, as the administration has been cautious about appearing overly aggressive towards Russia. However, with Ukraine's push against Russian forces showing progress, the administration is keen to bolster the Ukrainian military. Cluster munitions are prohibited by many countries, but Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have not signed onto the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
The Ukraine Defense Ministry dismissed claims of a $2 million bounty for a Russian pilot delivering an MiG fighter jet, but confirmed there will be a reward for Russian soldiers who surrender. The ministry's "I want to live" initiative successfully lured Russian pilot Maksym Kuzminov to fly a Russian Mi-8 helicopter to Ukraine, earning him a reward of about $500,000. The US is considering sending Ukraine more potent cluster bombs with longer range to aid their counteroffensive against Russian-occupied territory. Ukraine has about 45 days to press its counteroffensive before weather conditions hinder their progress. The Kremlin expects Russians who fled the country to return as the economy strengthens. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok, Russia, as early as Tuesday.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Kyiv to show support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian forces, while Ukraine had the highest casualty toll from cluster bombs last year, with nearly 300 people killed and 600 wounded. Ukraine's parliament dismisses Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov amid corruption accusations, Britain declares Russia's Wagner mercenary group a terrorist organization, and Cuba works to dismantle a trafficking ring that sent Cubans to fight in Ukraine. The situation along the eastern front line remains difficult, with Russian forces training assault units and shelling Ukrainian positions. Kyiv was targeted by missiles, but air defenses intercepted the attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky completes a tour of the Donbas and Zaporizhzhia regions. In Kharkiv, students return to school under the threat of airstrikes, with the city's subway system serving as makeshift classrooms.
Ukrainian marines have made progress in their counteroffensive towards the key port city of Mariupol, with the recapture of the village of Urozhaine partially aided by the use of controversial cluster munitions. Drone footage shows Russian troops fleeing and being shelled, possibly by cluster munitions. The Ukrainian military has confirmed the use of US-supplied weapons on the frontlines, but the specific devices identified in the videos have not been confirmed. The use of cluster munitions has raised ethical concerns, as they can pose a long-term hazard to civilians. The counteroffensive has faced resistance from heavily fortified Russian defensive lines and landmines, leading to slow progress.
The United States is sending cluster bombs to Ukraine, despite objections from lawmakers and the fact that these bombs are banned by over 100 countries. The US argues that it is necessary to help Ukraine protect itself, but these bombs are known to cause civilian deaths. The Ukrainian government has promised not to use them in populated areas, but there are already reports suggesting otherwise. This raises ethical concerns about the US crossing a line by providing these weapons to Ukraine.
Russia claims to have repelled an assault by Ukrainian naval and aerial drones against a naval base in Crimea, while Ukraine's President Zelenskyy asserts that his troops have the upper hand in the ongoing counteroffensive. Russian shelling damages a historic church in Kherson, highlighting the risk to cultural monuments in the war. Human Rights Watch accuses Russia of using cluster bombs, resulting in civilian casualties and calling for an investigation into possible war crimes.
A Russian war reporter was killed and three others were wounded in what Russia claims was a Ukrainian attack using cluster munitions, sparking outrage from politicians. The Russian defence ministry did not provide evidence to support the claim, and it remains unverified. Ukraine recently received cluster bombs from the United States but has pledged to use them only against enemy soldiers. However, Russia's own use of cluster bombs in the conflict has been documented by human rights groups and the UN.
Ukraine has reportedly started using cluster bombs provided by the US in its fight against Russian troops along the front lines of the war. The decision to provide these controversial weapons has drawn criticism from NATO allies and Democrats in Congress, as many nations have signed a treaty banning the use of cluster munitions due to their long-lasting danger. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Ukraine of potential "reciprocal action" if they use these weapons. Meanwhile, Ukraine's ground forces leader admitted that their counteroffensive is not progressing as quickly as hoped due to Russia's fortified positions and overwhelming advantage in troops and ammunition. The White House has also warned of a potential Russian attack on civilian shipping vessels in the Black Sea.
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on several Russian figures, including a minister and a journalist, over Russia's alleged forced deportation of Ukrainian children. Ukraine claims to have regained 18 sq km of territory from Russian forces in a week, including areas around the city of Bakhmut. Russia says it repelled a drone attack on its fleet in the Black Sea port of Sevastopol. Russian President Vladimir Putin warns Ukraine about the use of cluster bombs, claiming Russia has a stockpile and reserves the right to take reciprocal action. The US recently sent cluster bombs to Ukraine, which has drawn criticism from allies and humanitarian groups.
Fighting in eastern Ukraine has intensified, with clashes between Russian forces and Ukrainian troops reported in multiple areas. Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar described the battles as fierce and dynamic, with positions changing frequently. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Ukraine's counteroffensive as a failure. He also stated that Russia has a sufficient stockpile of cluster bombs and reserved the right to use them if such munitions were used against Russian forces. The grain deal that allowed Ukrainian exports through the Black Sea is set to expire, with Russia expressing concerns about the deal's implementation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia has a "sufficient stockpile" of cluster bombs and threatened to retaliate if Ukraine uses them against Russian troops. The Pentagon confirmed that it had delivered cluster munitions to Ukraine, which has stated that it needs them to compensate for ammunition shortages in its counteroffensive against Russia's invasion. Cluster bombs are banned by over 110 countries due to their risk to civilians. There is evidence suggesting that Russia has already used cluster bombs in its war against Ukraine. Neither Russia, Ukraine, nor the U.S. has ratified the international convention on banning cluster bombs.
Russia claims to have repelled a drone attack in occupied Crimea, with the Russian Defence Ministry stating that it shot down two drones and disabled five others. The ministry also claimed to have destroyed two Ukrainian army naval drones. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia has a "sufficient stockpile" of cluster munitions and warned that Russia reserves the right to take reciprocal action if Ukraine uses these weapons. The use of cluster bombs by both Russia and Ukraine has been widely documented, with concerns raised about the high "dud rate" and the potential harm to civilians.
Russia claims to have repelled a Ukrainian drone attack near Sebastopol in Russian-annexed Crimea, with no damage or casualties reported. President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would use its own cluster bomb stockpiles if such munitions were used against Russian forces in Ukraine. Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister confirmed that Ukrainian forces were on the defensive near Kupiansk and making gradual progress near Bakhmut. The use of cluster bombs by both Russia and Ukraine has been widely documented, despite Putin's denial. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine to aid the global economy. G7 finance chiefs are set to discuss aid to Ukraine, debt distress, bank reform, and a global tax deal.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy defended his country's use of cluster munitions, which are banned by many NATO nations, and pushed for NATO membership during a news conference ahead of his meeting with President Joe Biden. Zelenskyy argued that Ukraine needs the weapons for self-defense and called for specific details on the requirements for NATO membership. While Biden has expressed caution about inviting Ukraine to join NATO before the war is over, Zelenskyy emphasized the need to eliminate membership as a bargaining chip in future peace talks with Russia. The US and other NATO allies have offered assistance to Ukraine, including long-term security guarantees and support for reforms.
