US confirms its cluster bombs are in use in Ukraine 

The US has confirmed its controversial cluster bombs are being used by Ukraine against Russian forces in the country. 

John Kirby, US National Security Spokesman, said initial feedback suggested that they were being used “effectively” on Russian defensive positions and operations. 

Cluster bombs are banned by more than 100 states due to the threat to civilians – the bombs scatter multiple bomblets. 

The US agreed to supply them to Ukraine. The UK, Canada, New Zealand and Spain oppose the use of cluster bombs. 

Ukraine has promised the bombs will only be used to dislodge concentrations of Russian enemy soldiers. 

“They are using them appropriately,” Mr Kirby said. “They’re using them effectively and they are actually having an impact on Russia’s defensive formations and Russia’s defensive manoeuvring. I think I can leave it at that.”

US President Joe Biden called the decision to send the cluster bombs “very difficult” but decided to sent them after Ukraine warned it was running out of ammunition during its summer counter-offensive, which has been slower and more costly than many had hoped.