Ukraine particularly hard hit: number of cluster bomb victims increased dramatically, according to report

The number of cluster bomb victims rose rapidly last year: it more than tripled compared to the previous year. At least 1,063 people were killed or injured, one of the highest annual figures since the cluster bomb report began in 2010. This is reported by the so-called cluster bomb coalition, an association of non-governmental organizations. 87 percent of the victims were civilians.

Ukraine, against which Russia is waging war, was once again particularly hard hit. According to this information, Russian armed forces are using the internationally banned weapons there. At least 927 people were injured or killed in Ukraine, more than in any other country in the world for the fourth year in a row. There were also victims in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, Myanmar, Syria and Russia.

Cluster bombs sometimes consist of hundreds of mini-bombs and are usually fired from aircraft or rocket launchers. When they explode in the air, they spread over large areas. Many explosive devices end up in the ground as unexploded bombs and kill or injure people for years later. Survivors often lose limbs.

According to the authors' research, there are indications that new cluster munitions are being produced in Russia. In addition, North Korea also supplied Russia with cluster munitions that were used in Ukraine. Ukraine also used the weapons in Russia, the report says.

The Cluster Bomb Coalition monitors compliance with the “Convention on the Prohibition of Cluster Munitions” (Oslo Convention). 112 countries have ratified it, including Germany. The agreement includes a categorical ban on the use, development, production, storage and transfer of cluster munitions. Neither Russia nor Ukraine have ratified the agreement.