Ukraine promised to use cluster munitions only in 'appropriate places' - Austin

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday defended Washington's decision to supply Ukraine with cluster munitions.

Austin explained his position on this issue in an interview with CNN, Ukrinform reports.

"First of all, I think we should remember that they are fighting hard to defend their sovereign territory," he said.

Austin said that Ukraine is not asking for the munitions to go invade another country, as the Russians did, who "have been using cluster munitions from the very beginning."

According to him, the Ukrainians have committed to making sure these munitions are used only in the "appropriate places," and not in populated areas.

"They will record the places that they use them and they will prioritize demining efforts. And we will help them do that, in those places where they gave us the conditions," Austin said.

Asked how long the U.S. would need to provide cluster bombs to Kyiv, Austin said he wants to make sure "Ukraine can remain successful in their fight," so he would not "speculate how long that's going to take."

"We're going stay focused on making sure that they have what they need to continue to provide the support for their maneuver," Austin said.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier said that Ukraine would be "defenseless" if the Biden administration had not decided to supply the country with cluster munitions despite the international controversy surrounding this issue.

Photo: AA