Biden approves cluster munition supply to Ukraine
Washington PostJul 06, 2023
UN Denounces 'Horrific Toll' on Civilians as War in Ukraine Reaches 500-Day Mark
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The Facts
As the Russia-Ukraine war entered its 500th day on Saturday, the UN's Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) denounced what it described as "the horrendous civilian cost of the war in Ukraine."
While warning that real numbers are likely to be much higher, the agency said it was able to confirm the deaths of more than 9K civilians — including over 500 children — since Russia invaded more than 16 months ago.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This was a very difficult decision for the Biden admin. However, due to the high rate of artillery shells being fired, Ukraine is running out of ammunition. It cannot be left defenseless to face Russia's aggression. This is a necessary move until the US can plug the gap in supplies.
Establishment-critical narrative
This was a terrible mistake from Biden and his team. Cluster munitions inflict massive destruction on civilians and, if its "bomblets" don't immediately explode, can remain a threat to a population for decades. This move will only ensure that more civilians will die in Ukraine and the US will be to blame.
Pro-Russia narrative
This move simply underscores how desperate the US is. Rather than acknowledge that Ukraine's offensive is failing, it's doubling down on its plans with dangerous ideas — provocations that draw the world even nearer to a global conflict.
