Cluster Munitions Used in Attacks Inside Russia, Regional Governor Claims

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Facts

• Alexander Bogomaz, governor of the Russian Bryansk region bordering Ukraine, claimed on Wednesday that Ukraine had used cluster munitions in four attacks on the region. He said several homes and outbuildings were damaged, but there were no reports of casualties at this stage.¹
• Bogomaz also alleged the weapons were used in an attack on his region a day earlier, again stating that several buildings were damaged, but that there were no reports of injuries.²
• Despite condemnation from human rights groups, US Pres. Joe Biden approved the transfer of cluster munitions — which scatter bomblets that may continue to be dangerous for years after they're used — to Ukraine in July. Though a 'difficult decision,' Biden said that it was necessary as Ukraine was running out of regular artillery shells. The weapons have been used by both Russia and Ukraine in the war.³
• As a condition of their delivery to Ukraine, the country provided the US with a number of assurances that included pledging not to use the weapons in urban areas and only in fields where there is a concentration of Russian military.⁴
• Elsewhere, Russia's defense ministry said on Wednesday that its air defenses had shot down 31 nighttime drones over the the country's border regions — seemingly the largest Ukrainian attack of its kind since the start of the war.⁵
• The defense ministry also said it detected and shot down a Ukrainian anti-ship Neptune missile that was headed for Crimea on Tuesday evening.⁶

Sources: ¹TASS (a), ²Reuters, ³Guardian, ⁴Arms Control Association, ⁵Independent and ⁶TASS (b).

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by POLITICO. The decision to arm to Ukraine with cluster munitions was difficult, but one that was necessary given its shortages of regular ammunition. Effectively allowing Russia to take more Ukrainian land and subjugate more of its citizens simply because the country is not sufficiently armed is an unacceptable prospect.
• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by The Hill. When Russia was found to have used cluster munitions, the political and media establishment was up in arms over the devastation the weapons inflict on civilians. We should apply the same moral standard and condemn the use of cluster munitions any time they're used.

Predictions