Antonov called US statements about the “proper” use of cluster munitions by Kiev cynicism

The Pentagon’s claim that Kiev is using cluster munitions “properly” is cynicism. This opinion was expressed by the Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov. His words are given in the Telegram channel of the diplomatic mission.

“I would like to know if the “proper use” of cluster bombs is also meant in the case of the murder of Russian journalist Rostislav Zhuravlev. He died on July 22 during shelling by the Armed Forces of Ukraine with exactly the specified ammunition. Is there any limit to the cynicism of Pentagon officials making such statements? the diplomat was indignant.

Antonov noted that Ukraine and the United States, which supply weapons to Kiev, are equally responsible for the deaths of “hundreds of children”, the murder of journalist and daughter of conservative philosopher Daria Dugina and military commissar Vladlen Tatarsky, as well as for the assassination attempt on writer Zakhar Prilepin. The ambassador said that regular shelling of residential areas, attacks of the Crimean bridge, undermining the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power station, the Togliatti-Odessa ammonia pipeline and the shelling of the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant also lie “on the conscience” of Kyiv.

The day before, August 10, CNN, citing an unnamed Ukrainian official informedthat Kyiv submitted to Washington the first report on the use of cluster munitions. According to the source, Ukraine reported on the number of shells fired, as well as on the targets hit. The interlocutor of the TV channel refused to give specific figures. Later US Department of Defense confirmed TASS that Kyiv handed over such a document to Washington.

On the same day, Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said that the United States had data on the use of cluster munitions by Kiev “properly.”

On July 7, the White House announced the transfer of cluster munitions to Kyiv. Washington said Ukraine had provided the United States with written assurances that the ammunition would be used “with care.” In addition, one of the conditions for the transfer was the provision of reports on the use of weapons.

July 22 Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation statedthat the Armed Forces of Ukraine fired cluster munitions at a group of journalists, as a result, the RIA Novosti military commander Rostislav Zhuravlev died. The rest of the journalists were hospitalized with moderate injuries. At the end of July, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decree on awarding Zhuravlev with the Order of Courage posthumously.