Human Rights Watch Blames Russian Cluster Munitions for Hundreds of Deaths in Ukraine

The Human Rights Watch claims that Russia is using cluster munitions, leading to hundreds of deaths in Ukraine.

The NYC-based international non-governmental organization said that they fact-checked the denial statements of Putin and other Russian officials regarding the use of cluster munitions.

Is Russia Using Cluster Munitions in Ukraine? Human Rights Watch Says Yes

Human Rights Watch Blames Russia's Cluster Munitions for Hundreds of Deaths in Ukraine — A man walks past an unexploded tail section of a 300mm rocket which appear to contained cluster bombs launched from a BM-30 Smerch multiple rocket launcher embedded in the ground after shelling in Lysychansk, Lugansk region on April 11, 2022. ANATOLII STEPANOV/AFP via Getty Images

The Human Rights Watch said that the new annual cluster munitions report "Cluster Munition Monitor 2023" has attracted the interest of strong global media outlets.

The agency said that the yearly cluster munitions documentation, which it helped produce, was also covered by Russia's state-controlled media.
HRW describes these news outlets as propaganda outlets for the government.

The human rights organization said that these Russian-backed media companies didn't include the documentation about the Kremlin's repeated use of cluster munitions in Ukraine.

The Human Rights Watch stated that they left out important details about Russia's use of cluster munitions, especially the one in 2022 that killed around 58 Ukrainian civilians.

The international organization said that Putin and other Russian officials, such as Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, repeatedly denied the use of cluster munitions in Ukraine.

However, HRW said that it worked with the United Nations (UN) and Ukrainian officials to fact-check the denial statements of Russian leaders.

Based on their investigation, Russia is responsible for over 90% of cluster munition deaths in Ukraine. HRW revealed that in 2022, more than 890 Ukrainians were injured and killed by the Russian military's cluster bombs.

Is Russia Allowed to Use Cluster Munitions in War?

Reuters reported that the use of cluster munitions is banned in more than 100 countries (specifically 124 countries).

This is because these cluster bombs can lead to civilian deaths during wars. Aside from this, experts said that some bomblets also tend to malfunction.

They can remain dormant for years or decades only to explode suddenly, which can lead to deaths even when wars are over.

But, although cluster bombs are highly criticized, Human Rights Watch said that the United States, Russia, and Ukraine are allowed to use them.

Recently, Vladimir Putin claimed that they haven't used cluster bombs in Ukraine yet. The Russian leader said that they will only use these deadly bombs if their enemies also use them.

"But of course, if they are used against us, we reserve the right to take reciprocal action," explained Putin.