Russia Signals Retaliation If US Supplies Cluster Munitions to Ukraine
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned on Tuesday that Moscow would use tactics of equal destructiveness if Washington sends cluster munitions to Ukraine. He stated that if the United States supplies such weapons, Ukraine and Russian forces could see a similar level of escalation in the battlefield, according to televised remarks. Shoigu noted that neither Russia, the United States, nor Ukraine has joined the Convention on Cluster Munitions, yet he underscored Moscow’s awareness of the risk to civilians and his assertion that Russia has not deployed cluster munitions in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to Shoigu, Moscow holds a sizable stockpile of cluster munitions that he described as more versatile and potent than American counterparts. He added that Russia’s military industrial complex has expanded production of a broad array of weapons and related equipment for the army since 2022, signaling strengthened domestic capacity in armaments and associated technologies.
In this frame, Shoigu argued that supplying cluster bombs to Kyiv would simply extend the conflict and raise the human cost. The statement comes as military planners weigh options for sustaining operations and shaping international responses amid the war.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg commented on Tuesday that ammunition stocks are tightening. While the decision to transfer cluster munitions remains a matter for individual nations, he stressed that every effort should be made to ensure a steady supply of essential munitions to allied forces and partners.
Debates over cluster munitions continue to surface as the war evolves, drawing attention to military doctrine, civilian protection, and international norms. The exchange highlights divergent views on how to deter aggression and manage escalation, with officials considering the potential consequences for civilian populations, strategic stability and regional security. The discussion also reflects broader concerns about arms transfers, compliance with international agreements, and the balance between deterrence and humanitarian considerations. Authorities emphasize the need for careful assessment, risk management and accountability in any decision that could affect civilians and influence the course of the conflict. The ongoing narrative illustrates the volatile link between battlefield tactics and global responses, with Russia and Western allies presenting positions on weapons policy, industrial capacity, and pathways to conflict resolution. Statements from Moscow and NATO shape public perception and influence the conversation around military aid, defense planning and the future security landscape in Europe. [Citation: Moscow Defense Ministry, NATO communications]