Title: Russian Defense Minister Threatens to Use Cluster Bombs if US Provides Ukraine with the Same
Date: [Insert Date]
In the ongoing Russo-Ukraine war, tensions are escalating as Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu issued a warning on the 11th that Russia would use cluster bombs if the United States supplied them to the Ukrainian army. Shoigu’s statement comes after Ukraine blamed Russian forces for missile attacks on major cities including Kiev, Odessa, and Kherson.
Shoigu emphasized that Russia possesses more efficient cluster munitions than the United States but clarified that they have not used them in special military operations in Ukraine thus far. However, if the US were to provide Ukraine with cluster bombs, Russia would have no choice but to retaliate with “similar” means of attack.
Last week, the United States announced its intention to supply Ukraine with widely banned cluster munitions to aid their counterattacks against Russian forces. This move has been met with controversy globally due to the devastating impact and long-lasting consequences of cluster bombs on civilian populations.
Notably, Russian defense officials claim that the Ukrainian offensive has not achieved any of its goals on any front. Shoigu stated that since the counterattack began, Russian forces have successfully destroyed 21 Ukrainian aircraft, five helicopters, 1,244 tanks, and other armored warfare vehicles. Moreover, Ukraine has suffered heavy losses, with over 26,000 soldiers and more than 3,000 weapons of various types being lost since the counterattack began.
Shoigu further asserted that Western intelligence agencies have acknowledged the effectiveness of Russian defenses, minefields, and air defense systems against Ukrainian attacks. On the ground, Russian troops have advanced 1.5 kilometers in the front near Leman in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian army initially took control of Lyman in October 2022 but faced a counterattack from Russian forces.
In a separate development, the Ukrainian army has accused the Russian army of employing suicide drones and ballistic missiles in a large-scale air strike on the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, as well as cities in the north and south of the country. The Ukrainian air force successfully shot down 26 out of 28 Iranian Shahed drones that were launched in the early hours of the 11th.
Reports indicate that the attacks caused damage to multiple houses in the Kiev region and an administrative building in Odessa. Additionally, a fire broke out at a pier near the port of Odessa but was quickly extinguished. Tragically, casualties occurred during the missile attack, with one person killed in the village of Sofievka and two women killed in Kherson. Two other individuals were injured in the city of Kherson.
As the war in Ukraine continues, airstrike warnings have been issued across the country. The situation has raised concerns globally, leading NATO leaders to convene a summit that has been criticized by the Kremlin. Russian officials maintain that Moscow will never remain passive when it comes to its own security.
The international community closely watches these developments as the conflict in Ukraine shows no signs of abating, and the fear of increased civilian casualties and further escalation remains a top concern.