U.S. cluster bomb decision for Ukraine fragments NATO
Canada among NATO nations opposed
The first American cluster bombs have reportedly arrived in Ukraine, and they're causing a rift amongst NATO members over the controversial decision by the Biden administration to approve the use of the weapons, which are banned in many countries.
Germany, Canada, Spain, and even the UK, one of the most risk-averse weapons-donating countries to Ukraine, have all criticized the cluster bombs.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada will continue to strongly argue that cluster bombs "should not be used" after the United States announced it is sending the munitions to help Ukraine's war effort against Russia, said Canadian Press.
Trudeau told reporters in Latvia on the eve of a summit held by the NATO military alliance that Canada abides by an international treaty prohibiting the use of explosives that scatter small bombs across a wide terrain.
The prime minister said Canada was one of the countries that led the international effort to ban cluster munitions and it will "continue to stand very strongly" on its position. He added in French that cluster bombs should "never" be used, the report said.
The statements are getting noticed by the international media. Australia’s ABC reported, “Leaders from the UK, Spain, Germany, Canada, Human Rights Watch and the United Nations are among those who have discouraged the use of the explosive weapons after the U.S. announced its $800 million military aid package on Friday.
Here is actor/comedian Russel Brand's take:
https://twitter.com/TPostMillennial/status/1678864558713192449
Since our first report last weekend, nearly 200 PeaceQuest readers have sent letters to the Prime Minister.
“I am deeply concerned that the United States is sending cluster bombs to Ukraine. Both Russia and Ukraine have already used these indiscriminate weapons, putting civilians and children at terrible risk for years to come from unexploded bomblets,” says the letter to Prime Minister Trudeau.
“Canada led a global effort and joined 100 other countries in banning these weapons. Please do everything in your power to prevent the use of cluster bombs by Ukraine, Russia, or any other country.”