Ukraine has received a shipment of controversial cluster munitions less than a week after the United States announced its intention to transfer them to the country. Valeryi Shershen, a spokesman for the Tavria military command in southern Ukraine, confirmed reports by CNN, stating that Ukraine had indeed received the cluster munitions but had not yet utilized them.

Speaking on Ukrainian television, Shershen stated that the cluster munitions were now in the possession of the Ukrainian defence forces. However, he provided limited details regarding their use or deployment.

The United States had announced just last week that cluster munitions would be included as part of an $800 million (£610 million) security package aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian forces. Cluster munitions are banned by over 100 countries due to their indiscriminate nature, as they release numerous smaller bomblets that pose a significant risk to civilians over a wide area. Unexploded munitions can remain hazardous for decades after conflicts cease.

The transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine has sparked controversy and concerns among various parties. The use of these weapons is highly contentious due to the potential harm they cause to civilian populations and the long-lasting consequences they pose.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his disapproval of the supply of foreign-made tanks, considering them “priority targets” for Russian forces. He also reiterated his stance that Ukraine’s potential accession to NATO would threaten Russia’s security and further escalate global tensions.

President Joe Biden, on the other hand, downplayed the prospect of Russia using nuclear weapons against Ukraine or the West, stating that there is no real likelihood of such an event occurring. Biden emphasized the international consensus against nuclear escalation and urged restraint amidst the growing instability in Moscow.

The situation in Ukraine remains tense as NATO provides increased support to the country, prompting responses from Russian officials. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that the provision of F-16 fighter jets by NATO would be regarded as a “nuclear threat” by the Kremlin, given their capability to carry nuclear warheads.