Allies Express Concern as US President Biden Arrives in UK Ahead of NATO Summit

Concerns about US President Joe Biden’s intention to deliver cluster bombs to Ukraine were raised by several allies upon his arrival in the UK before the NATO meeting in Lithuania. Several countries, including the UK and Canada, have expressed concern about selling these outlawed weapons because of the severe dangers they represent to people. Other partners have expressed concerns about the cluster bombs’ potential to cause widespread harm, despite the US’s claim that they are required due to Ukraine’s diminishing arsenal. It is anticipated that President Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will discuss the conflict in Ukraine during their meeting. 

Cluster Bombs and Concerns

Cluster bombs disperse multiple tiny bomblets and have a broad killing zone. Due to their inherent risks and the lingering possibility of unexploded bomblets, these weapons are widely prohibited. To support its decision to give Ukraine cluster bombs, the US has cited formal guarantees from Kyiv that the weapons won’t be used against Russia or in populated areas. However, detractors contend that perceived advantages outweigh the potential harm to innocent persons.

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak did not specifically criticise President Biden’s choice, but he did emphasise that his country is a signatory to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which forbids the development or use of such weapons. Both NATO members, Canada and Spain, have declared their opposition to deploying cluster bombs in Ukraine. Spain’s Defence Minister Margarita Robles highlights the significance of legitimate defence without using these outlawed weapons. Conversely, Germany acknowledged the American viewpoint while announcing that it would not give Ukraine cluster bombs.

NATO Summit and Ukraine’s Ambitions

The NATO meeting in Vilnius will concentrate on issues including increasing munitions stocks and examining defence strategies. Since joining in April, Finland will attend its first summit, while Turkey has thwarted Sweden’s participation over claims that it harbours terrorists. Prime Minister Sunak is anticipated to offer assistance to President Biden in his efforts to reach a settlement with Turkey. Ukraine, a candidate for NATO membership, will also attend the conference. But President Biden reaffirmed that Ukraine cannot join NATO until the conflict is resolved, in line with NATO’s long-standing stance.

Concerns about President Biden’s plan to deliver cluster bombs to Ukraine have been raised among allies since he arrived in the UK before the NATO meeting in Lithuania. Several NATO nations, including the UK and Canada, have expressed their opposition to these weapons because of the dangers they pose to civilians, despite the US’s justification that they are required since Ukraine’s stockpiles of weaponry are running low. During President Biden’s discussion with Prime Minister Sunak, the cluster bomb controversy and other vital issues like the Ukraine conflict will likely be brought up. The NATO summit in Vilnius will give member countries a chance to discuss the situation, go through defence strategies, and consider Ukraine’s desire to join the alliance.