Controversy Surrounds US Decision to Send Cluster Munitions to Ukraine

The spokesperson for the White House's National Security Council, John Kirby, defended the decision to send controversial cluster munitions to Ukraine despite the weapons' risk to civilians. Kirby stated that Ukraine will seek to limit the impact of the bombs off the battlefield and that preventing Russia from winning the war is crucial to protecting non-combatants. The cluster munitions are being supplied to make up for the rapid depletion of Ukrainian forces' other artillery. Kirby acknowledged concerns about civilian casualties and unexploded ordnance but emphasized the low "dud rate" of the munitions. He also addressed a recently revealed meeting between former American officials and Russian diplomats, stating that the U.S. government was not involved in the talks. NATO's support for Ukraine's fight against Russia will continue, but Kyiv must implement reforms before joining the alliance.