Russia’s ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, has strongly criticized the Biden administration, accusing it of having a “perverted” logic that disregards the loss of life and destruction caused by its actions. This comes after National Security Council spokesman John Kirby admitted that the use of US-supplied cluster bombs in Ukraine would likely result in civilian casualties.
In a statement on Sunday, Antonov stated, “We have taken note of the Director for Strategic Communications of the NSC John Kirby’s statements about the provision of cluster munitions to Ukraine. The official de facto confessed to the United States committing war crimes during the Ukrainian conflict.” This admission by Kirby has left many questioning the morality of US actions.
Kirby had claimed in an interview with ABC that the use of cluster munitions in Ukraine would result in fewer civilian casualties than the actions of Russian forces. This twisted logic, according to Antonov, demonstrates a lack of concern for the loss of innocent lives.
The decision by the US to supply Ukraine with banned cluster munitions has raised concerns not only among America’s allies but also international human rights groups and organizations. Countries like Canada, the UK, Austria, and Spain have expressed their objection to the US sending these weapons, citing their known potential to harm civilians even after the war is over.
In an effort to justify the supply of cluster bombs, US officials have argued that it is a temporary measure due to the Ukrainian military running out of conventional artillery shells. The Pentagon claims that it is unable to provide more shells at this time. Both the White House and the Pentagon have emphasized that Kiev has promised to minimize risks to civilians, and the US military has pledged to select munitions with a low ‘dud’ rate.
However, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl made a revealing statement, acknowledging that his concern lies primarily with preventing Russia from winning the war. In doing so, Kahl implies that the potential harm to civilians from the cluster bombs is a necessary sacrifice.
The use of cluster munitions has long been criticized for their indiscriminate nature and high potential for harm to civilians. These weapons can leave behind unexploded bomblets that pose a threat long after the conflict has ended. The US decision to supply Ukraine with such weapons not only highlights the disregard for civilian lives but also undermines efforts to promote international humanitarian law.
The international community, including America’s allies, has voiced concern over the use of cluster bombs in Ukraine. It is crucial for governments and organizations to emphasize the importance of protecting civilian populations and upholding the principles of international humanitarian law. The focus should be on finding peaceful and diplomatic solutions to conflicts, rather than resorting to weapons known for their devastating impact on innocent lives.
In conclusion, Ambassador Antonov’s criticism of the Biden administration’s logic is justified, as the provision of cluster munitions to Ukraine risks the lives of civilians and undermines efforts to promote human rights and international law. The international community must prioritize the protection of civilian lives and work towards peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
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