Russia Drops Cluster Bombs on Ukraine

NATO officials, determined to point out a unified front of support for Ukraine, on Friday accused Russia of using cluster bombs in its invasion, but rejected Kyiv’s plea to impose a no-fly zone over Ukrainian airspace, fearing that it will draw the military alliance into a bigger war with Russia.

Dozens of protesters waving Ukrainian flags chanted “NATO, act now!” outside the headquarters of the alliance as its foreign ministers met in a session, focused on helping Ukraine repel Russia’s expanding invasion. Ministers also met in sessions organized by the EU Union. 

Inside the NATO headquarters, the ministers heard an appeal from Ukraine’s minister, Dmytro Kuleba, inquiring for more military assistance than NATO has been willing to provide.

Shortly afterward, the NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, confirmed that Russia had attacked Ukraine with anti-personnel cluster bombs, which kill so indiscriminately that they're banned under jurisprudence.

Cluster bombs are often dropped from planes or launched from rockets. Enforcing a no-fly zone usually requires warplanes to patrol airspace, with troops below to spot and report violations.

The crisis has reminded Europeans of why the US’ leadership and military muscle is the foremost important element of deterrence against countries like Russia, China or perhaps Iran.

As a result, the White House provided convincing intelligence to its allies and arranged the response. It brought the EU Union, Britain, Canada and Australia along on a troublesome package of economic sanctions and was quick to start  supplying weapons to Ukraine.

With weapons and supplies coming from Poland and other neighboring countries into western Ukraine, there are concerns that Russia will move to dam or bomb convoys.