US cluster munitions gave new impetus to Ukraine's counteroffensive

The recently delivered US-made cluster munitions have given a new impetus to the AFU's counteroffensive to regain the territory seized by Russia.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to The Wall Street Journal.

According to the publication, Ukrainian soldiers say they are using cluster munitions, which release dozens of small bombs and can cause damage over a wider area than conventional artillery shells, to hit Russian infantry concentrations, vehicle groups, and other targets, clearing the way for offensive operations.

According to the WSJ, Kyiv's counteroffensive operations have been hampered by extensive minefields and Moscow's superior air power, which have prevented large-scale efforts to use Western-supplied tanks and armored vehicles to reach and break through the Russian forces' fortified positions.

The ammunition was combined with a change in tactics that allowed Ukrainian forces to advance in some places within range of Russia's main defense lines.

“Cluster bombs are good. They are effective,” said Captain Anatoliy Kharchenko, commander of a reconnaissance company. “But the Russians have dug deep and are learning quickly”.

Kharchenko said the trenches can be more than 2 meters deep and that the Russians are adapting by spreading their troops out to avoid heavy losses.

As a reminder, the United States handed over cluster munitions to Ukraine in early July. US President Joe Biden said that such shells would help the Ukrainian military continue its counteroffensive.

White House spokesman John Kirby said that Ukrainian forces are using the cluster munitions provided by the United States against Russia "appropriately" and "effectively."

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 09/08/2023