Russia has widely used cluster bombs in Ukraine, causing hundreds of civilian casualties and damaging homes, schools and hospitals, a monitoring body said Thursday.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, hundreds of cluster munition attacks by Russian forces have been documented, reported, or are alleged to have occurred, the Cluster Munition Coalition (CMC) said in an annual report.
Ukrainian forces appear to also have used cluster munitions several times, the monitoring group said in the 2022 report on the use of the weapons around the world.
Neither Russia nor Ukraine have joined the convention prohibiting the use, transfer, production and stockpiling of cluster bombs, which has 110 states parties and 13 other signatories.
“Russia’s extensive use of internationally-banned cluster munitions in Ukraine demonstrates a blatant disregard for human life, humanitarian principles and legal norms,” said Mary Wareham of the Cluster Munition Monitor 2022.
“Unequivocally condemning ongoing use of cluster munitions in Ukraine is crucial to strengthen the stigma against these weapons and bring an end to the threat they pose.”
The 100-page report comes as parties to the convention prepare for their 10th annual meeting from August 30 to September 2 at the United Nations in Geneva.
