Cluster bombs used in Ukraine as U.S. ammo stocks dwindle

Shrinking American defense industry struggles to meet demand, including in Taiwan

20230723N U.S. soldiers carry artillery shell

U.S. Army soldiers carry munitions during a 2016 load exercise in South Korea. Washington is struggling to keep up with surging demand for arms and ammunitions. © Reuters

YUKIHIRO SAKAGUCHI, Nikkei staff writer

July 26, 2023 23:20 JST

WASHINGTON -- The Ukrainian military has begun using cluster bombs in its counteroffensive against Russia, following Washington's decision to supply Kyiv with the controversial weapons amid a munitions shortage.

A journalist was killed and several more injured in a Saturday clash, in which both Russia and Ukraine are believed to have fired cluster munitions.