WSJ: Cluster munitions provide 'fresh impetus' to Ukraine's counteroffensive

US-supplied cluster munitions are destroying Russian positions in areas where Ukrainian troops had struggled to advance, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on August 8, Report informs referring to The Kyiv Independent.

Ukrainian forces have been striking Russian infantry, vehicles, and artillery positions, clearing the way for ground forces' advances. This allowed Kyiv to take positions its troops have long struggled to reach, the WSJ said, citing Ukrainian soldiers.

The effectiveness of the ammunition has been demonstrated during recent fights around Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Russian forces pinned down a Ukrainian platoon until Ukraine's artillery provided a cover with cluster munitions, causing heavy casualties among the Russian ranks and forcing them to retreat.

According to Ukrainian soldiers, cluster munitions are effective but Russian troops are already adapting to their use by digging deeper trenches and by spreading their positions more thinly.

Cluster munitions scatter bomblets over a wide area. The cluster munition duds, or unexploded bomblets, can pose a danger to the civilian population in the area long after the hostilities end.

The Ukrainian military has therefore said that cluster munitions will not be used in cities, densely populated areas, or on Russian territory.