White House weighs Ukraine powerful ‘war crime’ cluster munitions in stunning reversal

The Biden administration is expected to announce it will send Ukraine cluster munitions for its ongoing counteroffensive against Russia — a brutal weapon that the White House only last year declared could constitute a “war crime” if used.

The US for the first time is mulling sending Ukraine dual-purpose improved conventional munitions, chief Pentagon spokesman Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said Thursday, without confirming reports that the decision has already been made.

The powerful artillery shells release dozens of smaller explosive submunitions, increasing lethality as they spread to hit multiple targets, similar to how multiple pellets spread from a single shotgun shell.