A European country has offered to send cluster bombs to Ukraine, saying the controversial weapon, the use of which has been criticized by Russia, could be useful on the battlefield, an official said on Wednesday. The Russians used such munitions, banned by the 2008 Oslo Convention, early in the invasion. A German solution is required for delivery.

An official from one European country, who did not want to be named or his country of origin, said his government had approved the shipment and was seeking approval from Germany, which was involved in the production of the munitions.

Cluster bombs (BASMs) consist of a shell-like container containing smaller explosive projectiles called submunitions. With very low accuracy, they can hit many civilians.

Their use and transfer is prohibited by the Oslo Convention of 2008, signed by a large part of Western countries.

Russian troops used cluster bombs at the beginning of the invasion

Russia has not signed this treaty, and the UN has been concerned about the use of these weapons by Russian forces in populated areas since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine last year.

According to a European official, cluster bombs have become more sophisticated, and the West must be “foreseeable” in supporting Kyiv, which could use the weapon against advancing Russian forces.

“Ukrainians are asking for them. This is a legal weapon. Collateral damage is no longer so important. They were extremely important in the 1940s and 1950s; today they are completely controlled,” the official said during a visit to Washington.

“The Russians used all kinds of weapons, which are 100 times worse than cluster bombs,” he said, assuring that Ukraine “must win the war.”

Receiving a decision from Germany may take time, the official admitted. (Agerpress)

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