Against Berlin’s will: The US is importing cluster munitions into Ukraine through Germany — Responsible Statecraft

US Army stores cluster munitions in the German town of Miesau for subsequent supply to Ukraine, despite Berlin’s public opposition to delivering these munitions to Kyiv.

This was reported by Responsible Statecraft.

Since July 2023, US President Joseph Biden has approved five deliveries of American cluster munitions to Ukraine. Russia, Ukraine and the United States have not joined the convention on cluster munitions, which bans this type of weapon. However, 112 countries, including Germany, have ratified this treaty due to the harm caused to civilians. At least 35 of these countries believe that the transfer and storage of cluster munitions are prohibited by the convention.

As the publication notes, the agreement between Berlin and Washington outlines the procedure for Germany hosting US troops on its territory. There is little transparency in this agreement, but it appears not to prohibit the storage of cluster munitions. This is explained by the fact that American stockpiles of cluster munitions on military bases in Germany, under the agreement, are not considered to be under the jurisdiction and control of Germany.

Responsible Statecraft calls on the US to immediately cease the supply of cluster munitions and urges Germany to demand the prompt destruction of these munitions stored by the US. Furthermore, all countries that have ratified the convention should call for an end to the transfer and storage of cluster munitions.