Political leaders in Spain and Britain on Saturday voiced opposition to President Joe Biden’s change of heart over the supply of widely banned cluster munitions to the Ukrainian military, according to the Politico newspaper.

British Prime Minister Rishi Snak and Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles each voiced their opposition to the Biden administration’s decision to supply the Ukrainian military with cluster munitions in remarks to reporters on Saturday. according to to Politico. Biden’s decision to send ammunition marks the latest shift in US policy to send arms to Ukrainians, previously considered too cautious.

Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in February 2022 that the administration’s view that Russia’s use of cluster munitions in war was a “potential war crime.” Biden said changing his mind and choosing to send cluster munitions to Ukrainians was a “difficult decision” interview with CNN. (Related: ‘Like a Freight Train’: Biden Administration Sends Depleted Uranium Ammunition to Ukraine: Report)

Janet Yellen: “As President Biden said, the United States will stand by Ukraine as long as necessary.” pic.twitter.com/5WwDbLZMCW

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“We will continue to do our part to help Ukraine against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked aggression, but we have done so by providing heavy tanks and, more recently, long-range weapons. Hopefully all. I hope that other countries can continue to support Ukraine,” Sunak said. , according to to Sky News. He also emphasized the UK’s status as a signatory to international agreements. convention According to Sky News, the United States is not an observer of cluster bombs.

Mr. Sunak’s statement was released just two days before his scheduled meeting with Mr. Biden in London on Monday, according to Politico.

“Spain has also made a commitment, based on firm commitments with Ukraine, that certain weapons and bombs cannot be surrendered under any circumstances,” Robles said on Saturday. according to to Reuters. “No to cluster munitions and yes to Ukraine’s legitimate defense. We understand that it should not be done with cluster munitions.”

The ammunition is banned by many other US allies, including Germany, France, Japan and Australia. This is because submunitions contained in ammunition often do not explode immediately, leaving dangerous unexploded ordnance on the ground and posing a high risk of injury to civilians. according to Go to the Cluster Munitions Coalition website.

Neither the White House nor the State Department immediately responded to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

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