Putin says Russia is ready to make use of cluster bombs in Ukraine
V
ladimir Putin has mentioned Russia has a “sufficient stockpile” of cluster bombs and will use them if such munitions are used in opposition to his forces in Ukraine.
Ukraine has acquired cluster bombs from the United States, munitions banned in additional than 100 nations, however has pledged to solely use them to dislodge concentrations of Russian troopers within the war-torn nation.
In a state TV interview, excerpts of which have been printed on Sunday, Mr Putin mentioned Moscow will strike again with a “reciprocal” response if needed.
He mentioned: “Of course, if they (cluster bombs) are used against us, we reserve the right to take reciprocal action.”
He added Russia had not but used the weapons regardless of a “certain shortage of munitions at some point.”
NGO Human Rights Watch claims each Moscow and Kyiv have used cluster munitions all through the warfare.
Russia, Ukraine and the US haven’t signed as much as the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which bans the manufacturing, stockpiling, use and switch of the weapons.
Mr Putin additionally instructed state TV he noticed nothing unsuitable in Russian specialists inspecting captured Western navy gear and missiles, such because the Storm Shadow missiles Britain equipped to Ukraine, as a way to see if there was something helpful that might be utilized in Russia’s personal navy {hardware}.