Ukraine has begun using cluster bombs on Russian defences, US says

Ukrainian forces have begun using US-supplied cluster bombs – which are banned by more than 120 countries – in the ‘“last week or so” and they are “having an impact” on Russian defences, a White House spokesperson has said.

“They’re using them appropriately, they’re using them effectively and they are actually having an impact on Russia’s defensive formations and Russia’s defensive manoeuvring,” White House national security council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.

The munitions arrived in Ukraine last week and are seen by the US as a way to get Kyiv critically needed ammunition to help bolster its offensive and push through Russian frontlines.

Ukraine has pledged to only use the controversial bombs to dislodge concentrations of Russian enemy soldiers.

The deployment of the munitions comes as Kyiv reports a new attempt by Russia to return to the offensive in the north-east of Ukraine, where it says Moscow has massed 100,000 troops and hundreds of tanks.