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Cluster bombs are about to arrive in Ukraine

Published

3 years ago

July 8, 2023

ticker NEWS

Ukraine is about to receive a shipment of cluster bombs to Ukraine. But it’s not just the Russians unhappy about it.

As the weapon is banned by over 100 countries, the move is likely to draw intense criticism from human rights groups.

What is the reason for their prohibition?

The Convention on Cluster Munitions, an international treaty signed by over 100 countries including the UK, France, and Germany, prohibits the use and stockpiling of cluster munitions due to their indiscriminate impact on civilian populations.

These weapons pose a significant danger to children who may mistake the bomblets for small toys and handle them out of curiosity. Human rights organizations have strongly condemned cluster munitions, labeling them as “abhorrent” and even constituting a war crime.

Who continues to employ them?

In a hypothetical scenario, both Russia and Ukraine have been utilizing cluster munitions since the commencement of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Neither of these countries has ratified the treaty that bans such weapons.

While the United States has also not signed the treaty, it has previously criticised Russia for its extensive use of cluster munitions.

It has been reported that Russian cluster munitions have a high “dud rate” of 40%, meaning a significant number of unexploded bomblets pose hazards on the ground. In contrast, the average dud rate for cluster munitions is believed to be around 20%. According to the Pentagon, the dud rate for its own cluster bomblets is less than 3%.

Why does Ukraine seek their acquisition?

In this hypothetical context, Ukraine’s military forces are facing a severe shortage of artillery shells. Both Russia and Ukraine have been depleting their ammunition supplies at an extraordinarily high rate due to the ongoing conflict, and Ukraine’s Western allies are unable to replenish them at the required pace.

Artillery has become a crucial weapon in the stagnant battlefronts of southern and eastern Ukraine.

With the challenge of dislodging the invading Russian forces from well-fortified defensive positions spanning a 1,000km (621-mile) battlefront, Ukraine finds itself in a daunting task.

Due to the insufficient availability of artillery shells, Ukraine has approached the US to restock its cluster munition supplies, intending to target the Russian infantry entrenched in defensive trenches.

This decision has not been easy for Washington and has faced significant opposition from many Democrats and human rights advocates. The debate surrounding this matter has been ongoing for at least six months.

News

Greenland says “No” to U.S. takeover — Chooses Denmark in geopolitical showdown

Greenland’s PM chooses Denmark over U.S. amid Trump’s controversy over Arctic control, emphasizing sovereignty and local sentiment.

Published

21 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Greenland’s PM chooses Denmark over U.S. amid Trump’s controversy over Arctic control, emphasizing sovereignty and local sentiment.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens‑Frederik Nielsen has delivered a clear message amid renewed pressure from the U.S. — if forced to choose between the United States and Denmark, Greenland will pick Denmark, NATO, and the EU.

Nielsen made the declaration in Copenhagen alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen ahead of diplomatic talks with top U.S. officials.

The announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has again stoked controversy by suggesting Washington could pursue ownership or control of Greenland, citing strategic interests in the Arctic. European leaders and Greenlandic officials have pushed back strongly against these ideas, emphasising sovereignty and respect for international law.

This standoff places Greenland’s future in the spotlight — as Copenhagen and Nuuk reaffirm their ties, local sentiment remains overwhelmingly opposed to U.S. annexation and supportive of Greenland’s own path forward.

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#Greenland #Trump #Denmark #ArcticPolitics #NATO #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations

News

Trump promises aid amid Iran unrest

Trump urges Americans in Iran to evacuate amidst escalating protests and vows support for protesters seeking freedom.

Published

21 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump urges Americans in Iran to evacuate amidst escalating protests and vows support for protesters seeking freedom.

President Trump has called on Americans in Iran to evacuate as tensions escalate following the government’s violent crackdown on antigovernment protesters. He has ruled out negotiations and encouraged protesters to continue their efforts, hinting that aid could be on the way.

The unrest in Iran has reportedly resulted in over 2,000 deaths, including both protesters and security forces. U.S. officials are reportedly weighing various responses, from sanctions to potential military options, though no immediate action has been confirmed.

Trump delivered a direct message to the people of Iran, emphasising support for their push for freedom and safety amid the growing crisis.

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#IranProtests #Trump #USPolitics #MiddleEastCrisis #HumanRights #EvacuationAlert #GlobalNews #TickerNews

News

Trump escalates pressure on the Federal Reserve with Powell probe

Trump administration investigates Fed Chair Powell, raising concerns over political pressure on monetary policy and economic stability.

Published

2 days ago

January 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump administration investigates Fed Chair Powell, raising concerns over political pressure on monetary policy and economic stability.

The Trump administration has launched a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, dramatically escalating tensions between the White House and the central bank.

The probe centres on Powell’s testimony over a controversial renovation of the Federal Reserve’s headquarters, raising alarm over whether political pressure is being applied to monetary policy decisions.

The move has sparked fierce debate in Washington, with critics warning it could undermine investor confidence and destabilise economic expectations.

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#FederalReserve #JeromePowell #DonaldTrump #USPolitics #MonetaryPolicy #Markets #Inflation #TickerNews