Rishi Sunak has said the UK “discourages” the use of cluster bombs after the US agreed to send them to Ukraine.

President Joe Biden has faced criticism for supplying the munitions, which are banned by many allies because of their track record of killing and maiming civilians.

The prime minister said the UK was one of 123 countries that signed a convention banning their use, and would continue focusing on supplying tanks and long-range weapons to help the fight against Russia.

Zelenskyy visits Ukraine’s ‘free island’ on war’s 500th day – War latest

He added: “We will continue to do our part to support Ukraine against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion, but we’ve done that by providing heavy battle tanks and most recently long-range weapons, and hopefully all countries can continue to support Ukraine.

“Russia’s act of barbarism is causing untold suffering to millions of people. It’s right that we collectively stand up to it.”

Mr Sunak will meet Mr Biden in London on Monday ahead of a NATO summit.

Cluster bombs detonate in the air and release “bomblets” that scatter over a large area.

Opponents say they kill indiscriminately and that some of the smaller munitions can fail to detonate, posing a long-term risk to civilians.

Mr Biden has called it a “difficult decision” but said he had to act as “the Ukrainians are running out of ammunition”.

Read more:
US cluster bombs deal is clear signal that war is not going well for Ukraine
Ukraine war is at a critical moment – and Zelenskyy needs some good news

The US says Kyiv has provided assurances it will not use cluster bombs in urban areas but some NATO allies are likely to be uneasy over their supply.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the US for the “timely, broad and much-needed defence aid package” that will “bring Ukraine closer to victory over the enemy, and democracy to victory over dictatorship”.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The Convention on Cluster Munitions prohibits their use or stockpiling because of their indiscriminate effect on civilian populations.

The US, Ukraine and Russia are not signatories.

Both Moscow and Kyiv have used cluster munitions so far in the war.

Commons Defence Committee chairman Tobias Ellwood urged the US to “reconsider”.

The Tory MP tweeted: “This is the wrong call and will alienate international good will.

“Their use leaves deadly unexploded ordnance over the battlefield, killing & injuring civilians .”

Related posts:

Five dead after school building site collapses Osaka speaks out amid concern over ‘missing’ player who made sex assault claim against Chinese official Doubts over ‘everything is fine’ email from ‘missing’ Chinese tennis player who made sex assault claims Russian parliament approves Putin request to use armed forces abroad Russia says it’s changing focus in Ukraine – but what evidence should we look for and what could it mean? People who haven’t had COVID yet probably have no friends, doctor says Families need boats to leave home as deluge of floods hits Sydney Beluga whale lost in River Seine dangerously thin and refusing food At least 46 killed in Indonesia earthquake At least 10 dead after fire at migrant facility in northern Mexico near US border One missing and four in critical condition after Paris blast What it’s like being in a fully-certified submersible – and how it differs from missing Titan