Munich Security Conference
Ukraine demands outlawed cluster bombs and phosphorus incendiary weapons
Fighting in Ukraine is intensifying. Now Ukraine wants explosive ordnance, which is banned worldwide.
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At the Munich Security Conference, Ukraine is also calling for cluster munitions and phosphorus incendiary weapons.
imago images/ZUMA Wire
Both weapon systems are considered controversial; Cluster munitions are even outlawed under international law.
IMAGO/ZUMA Wire
Like Russia, his country also wants to use this type of weaponry, argues Deputy Prime Minister Olexander Kubrakov.
AFP
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Aggression by Russian armed forces has increased once more in recent weeks.
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Ukraine is therefore dependent on powerful weapon systems.
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For this reason, it also calls for controversial weapons such as cluster munitions or phosphorus incendiary weapons.
In addition to tanks and fighter jets, Ukraine said at the Munich Security Conference, which takes place from Friday to Sunday, another weapon request. This is not entirely unproblematic: Deputy Prime Minister Olexander Kubrakow called for cluster munitions and phosphorus firearms on Friday evening. The use of both weapons is very controversial.
Like Russia, his country also wants to use this type of weaponry. “It’s our territory.” He understands the difficulties because of conventions, but this type of ammunition can help to withstand the attackers, he backed up his demands.
The use of cluster munitions is outlawed under international law
With his comments, Kubrakov alluded to the fact that the use of cluster munitions is outlawed under international law. The reason for this is the enormous destructive power of weapon technology.
Cluster munitions are rockets and bombs that burst in mid-air over the target, releasing many small explosive devices. Phosphorus incendiary weapons also have enormous destructive power. In humans, they can cause severe burns and poisoning.
14 tanks are still missing
Less controversial are the deliveries of main battle tanks. There is already a coalition to supply main battle tanks. However, this is currently lagging behind expectations. The German government had at the end of January the delivery of 14 Leopard 2 main battle tanks to the Ukraine and stated the goal of setting up two tank battalions together with allies, for which 62 tanks are needed in the Ukraine.
For the battalion, for which Germany took the lead, only Portugal has so far promised three Leopard 2A6s. That means: 14 tanks are still missing. “We won’t reach battalion strength there,” admitted German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in the middle of the week.
In addition to battle tanks, Ukraine also needs fighter jets. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky therefore urgently asked the international community for fighter jets to ward off Russian aggression. “The world has already heard how necessary it is for global security to create an aircraft coalition for Ukraine,” Zelensky said at the Munich Security Conference.
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