Ukraine tells OSCE how Defense Forces set to use cluster munitions

The Ukrainian Armed Forces will employ cluster munitions exclusively in areas where Russian troops are amassed in temporarily occupied territories, thoroughly recording all such occasions.

Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine to International Organizations in Vienna Natalia Kostenko stated this during the meeting of the OSCE Security Cooperation Forum on Wednesday, according to Ukrinform's own correspondent.

“Ukraine remains fully committed to its obligations under international law. The specific ammunition provided at this stage of repelling Russian aggression meets the most urgent needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. In close cooperation with our international partners, the Ukrainian military command carefully assessed the potential risks to the civilian population," Kostenko said, commenting on the U.S. transfer of cluster munitions to the nation.

According to the diplomat, an appropriate level of transparency and control will be ensured for their use.

The deputy head of the Ukrainian mission to the OSCE reported that these munitions will be used exclusively for the de-occupation of internationally recognized territories of Ukraine. "Cluster munitions will not be used on the internationally recognized territory of Russia," she added.

Kostenko also reported that the Defense Forces of Ukraine will refrain from using these munitions in inhabited urban areas "in order to minimize the risks to the civilian population."

"Cluster munitions will be deployed exclusively in areas where Russian troops are concentrated to dismantle enemy defense with minimal risk to the lives of Ukrainian soldiers," the Ukrainian diplomat emphasized.

“We will keep careful records of the use of these weapons as well as of the specific areas where they will be employed. After the de-occupation of all Ukrainian territories, these zones will be a priority for demining, which will eliminate the risks associated with unexploded components of cluster munitions,” Kostenko concluded.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the United States has announced supplies of cluster munitions to Ukraine to help the Armed Forces’ counteroffensive.

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