2023-07-08 20:33:52
NATO partner Spain has refused US delivery of cluster munitions to Ukraine. “Spain is firm on the commitments it has made to Ukraine, but also on the fact that certain weapons and bombs must not be delivered under any circumstances,” said Defense Minister Margarita Robles in Madrid on Saturday, as reported by the state TV broadcaster RTVE . The socialist emphasized that it was a sovereign decision by the USA, but not by NATO. Spain is of the opinion that such weapons should not be used even in a “legitimate defense,” said Robles.
Emergency solution due to ammunition bottleneck
The United States announced on Friday that it would supply Ukraine with cluster munitions, which are also used by Russia in aggressive wars. US President Joe Biden has defended the delivery of cluster munitions to Ukraine and described it as an interim solution. “This is a war involving munitions. And they’re running out of ammo and we’re running low on it.”
He accepted the Defense Department’s recommendation that cluster munitions be supplied “not permanently, but for a transitional period” until the United States is once more able to produce more of the artillery it needs.
The bombs exploding above the ground spread projectiles over larger areas. Because many of them often do not explode immediately, like mines they are considered a danger to civilians even following the end of hostilities. Germany and 110 other countries, including Spain, have therefore outlawed them with an international agreement. However, the USA, Ukraine and Russia have not joined.
(sda/dpa)
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