Deputy Prime Minister Kubrakov Ukraine calls for controversial cluster munitions

Deputy Prime Minister Kubrakov: Ukraine calls for controversial cluster munitions

Status: 02/18/2023 09:42 am

As part of the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian government deputy Kubrakov called for the handover of extremely controversial weapons – including cluster munitions. The use of such weapons is prohibited under international law.

After battle tanks and fighter jets, Ukraine told Western countries at the Munich Security Conference that they would like new weapons for the fight against Russia: Deputy Prime Minister Olexander Kubrakov asked for cluster munitions and incendiary phosphorus weapons.

Eckhart Querner, BR, on Ukraine’s demands for cluster munitions and phosphorus weapons: “Anyway, there have been no public reactions here, at least.”

02/18/2023 10:12 am

Kubrakov also added that the US and several other allies received millions of rounds from him. The use of both weapons is very controversial.

The use of these weapons is prohibited under international law.

Kubrakov argued that Russia also uses these weapons. Thus, your country also wants to use this “type of weaponry”. Kubrakow continued: “It’s our territory.”

Kubrakov stressed that he understands the difficulties caused by convention – but this type of ammunition can help resist attackers. Kubrakov was alluding to the fact that the use of cluster munitions is prohibited under international law.

Cluster munitions are rockets and bombs that explode in the air over the target, releasing many small explosive devices. Phosphorous ammunition can cause severe burns and poisoning in humans.

Again the demand for fighters

Kubrakov also campaigned again for the delivery of fighters. The matter is difficult, but why not start at least training programs for Ukrainian pilots?

Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki made it clear that his country would be ready to deliver fighter jets to Ukraine along with other fighter jets. However, he named a “NATO decision” as a prerequisite for such a step. Asked whether Poland would also deliver US-made F-16 fighters to Ukraine, he said Poland does not have that many aircraft of this type. But others can be provided. He didn’t comment on the type.

According to data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), in addition to the F-16, Poland also recently had MiG-29 and Su-22 fighter jets of the Soviet type.

Despite the drastic demands, it cannot be assumed that US Vice President Kamala Harris or British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will address them in their speeches. The issue of arms deliveries to Ukraine is also high on the agenda of a round table of foreign ministers, which also includes Annalena Baerbock, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba.

Zelenskyy: Ukraine can still win the war in 2023

The Russian war of aggression has now lasted almost a year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy opened the conference yesterday via video and unequivocally called for more deliveries of weapons, including fighter jets, and faster decisions by allies.

In contrast to Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), Zelenskyy expressed optimism that he would win the war against Russia this year. The prerequisite for this, however, is the corresponding deliveries of weapons.