The United States took another step in the war in Ukraine by deciding to supply Kiev with cluster munitions, which kill indiscriminately and are banned in many countries, especially in Europe.
This is an escalation that worries humanitarian organizations. The United States guaranteed Ukraine supplies of cluster munitions on Friday, July 7, a decision that Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed despite the danger of such bombs to civilians. On the eve of the 500th day of the Russian invasion, the President of Ukraine also actively considered the files on his country’s NATO accession and the future of the agreement on Ukrainian grain concluded there. Here’s what to remember from the news of the day.
US promises cluster munitions to Ukraine
The United States announced new military aid for Ukraine, including armored vehicles, anti-tank weapons and, above all, cluster munitions for the first time. These so-called cluster munitions scatter or release small explosive charges, the number of which can range from a few dozen to more than 600. Many countries have banned their use and production under the 2008 Oslo Convention, to which the United States, Russia and Ukraine are not parties.
The White House said Ukrainians had “written” guarantees on the use of these weapons to minimize “the risks to civilians,” who are often the main casualties of these munitions, which can detonate years after use. US President Joe Biden said he made a “very difficult decision” in supplying such weapons. “It’s a munitions war. And they (the Ukrainians) are running out of ammunition and our supplies are running out,” he said. His Ukrainian counterpart immediately expressed his “appreciation of the American people” and their president.
Ukraine asked to wait again at NATO’s door
A few days before the NATO summit in Vilnius on July 11-12, Washington dampened the hopes of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was hoping for Western support for his country’s entry into the alliance. Kiev has “many steps to take before it can become a member,” the White House warned. The leaders of NATO member states will reaffirm their intention to eventually integrate Ukraine into the alliance, but the exact wording of this commitment is the subject of intensive negotiations, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg admitted.
During a visit to Slovakia before traveling to Turkey, Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the lack of unity within NATO on the issue of Sweden and Ukraine’s accession. “I think there is not enough consensus in this area. And it poses a threat to the strength of the alliance (…) It is very important for the security of the whole world,” he said. Russia is banking on “the weakness and disunity of the alliance,” he stressed.
Zelenskyy in Turkey to save the grain deal
For the first time since last summer, and in his first visit to Turkey since the war with Russia began in February 2022, Volodymyr Zelenskyy had an extended meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has close ties with both Kyiv and Moscow. The two leaders should focus on Ukraine’s grain export deal across the Black Sea.
The grain deal signed in July 2022 with the support of the United Nations and Turkey expires on July 17 and Russia has said it sees no reason to extend it. The Kremlin is following the talks in Istanbul “very closely”, promising a “constructive partnership with Ankara” and welcoming the Turkish President’s “mediating role”. At the end of his meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Recep Tayyip Erdogan concluded that Russia and Ukraine “should return to peace talks”.