Lithuania exits cluster bomb ban to counter Russian threat
Lithuania has officially withdrawn from the international convention banning cluster bombs. This decision is a response to Russia's use of this weapon.
The Lithuanian Parliament decided to withdraw from the convention as early as July of last year. At the beginning of fall, Lithuania submitted the necessary documents to the UN, which initiated a six-month period after which the decision became legally binding. This period ended on Thursday, March 6.
Cluster bombs are containers that can be launched from the air or ground. They contain several dozen to several hundred smaller charges that disperse over a large area, comparable to the size of a soccer field.
Lithuania decided to leave the convention, arguing that because Russia uses this weapon, all means are necessary to deter a potential aggressor.
Controversies surrounding cluster bombs
Critics of the use of cluster bombs in armed conflicts emphasize that they are difficult to control and pose a disproportionate threat to civilian populations. However, Lithuanian authorities promise to minimize the potential negative effects of this weapon. There are plans to implement an algorithm that mandates the rapid collection of unexploded ordnance after each potential military operation.
Lithuania is also considering withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of anti-personnel mines. A decision on this matter is expected within a few months.
