Zelenskyy accuses Russia of using cluster warheads in deadly strikes hours after U.S. prisoner release
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of using cluster munitions in recent strikes on Kyiv and other regions, resulting in civilian casualties. These attacks occurred shortly after diplomatic discussions regarding a U.S. prisoner release and potential peace proposals.
Why it matters
The use of banned cluster munitions against civilian centers escalates the humanitarian crisis and complicates ongoing international diplomatic efforts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of using cluster munitions overnight as it renewed strikes on Kyiv and multiple other locations.At least four people were killed, according to Ukraine's foreign ministry. Another 34 people were injured, including five children, Zelenskyy said Thursday, hours after Russia released American Stephen Hubbard and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and called him a humanitarian."Last night, the Russians used, among other weapons against Kyiv, three ballistic missiles with cluster warheads," Zelenskyy wrote on X Thursday. "The distinguishing feature of these missiles is that they detonate in the air as they approach the target, striking everything within a 400-meter diameter."More than 100 countries have banned the use of cluster bombs under the Convention on Cluster Munitions, an international treaty that was adopted in 2008. The munitions spread smaller "bomblets" over a wide area that can hit civilian locations indiscriminately.
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