The Biden administration faced criticism for blaming the Trump administration for a significant shortfall in ammunition, which ultimately led to the decision to send controversial cluster bombs to Ukraine.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan acknowledged the low stockpile of 155 mm ammunition upon assuming office, noting that the capacity to mass produce this ammunition would require years, not just weeks.
“We began that process months ago was we anticipated the need for continuing supply Ukraine, but it takes time and that is why we need a bridge from today.” Sullivan said.
“We need to ensure that Ukraine has the necessary supply of ammunition to a few months down the road. We believe we can supply enough of the unitary round to meet Ukraine’s defense needs,” he added.
After Biden admitted on national television that the U.S. gave cluster bombs to Ukraine “because the U.S. is low on other ammunition,” Biden National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan blames it on President Trump — almost 30 months after Biden took office. pic.twitter.com/nAu3XGxYAg— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 16, 2023
Sullivan stated that the administration’s current plan does not involve replenishing the depleted stockpile of cluster bombs. Instead, they aim to bolster the production capacity of non-cluster munition rounds of ammunition.
He also defended the decision to provide Ukraine with these weapons, emphasizing the importance of enabling Ukraine to defend its homeland and protect civilians.
“Our moral authority and Ukraine’s moral authority in this conflict comes from the fact that we are supporting a country under brutal, vicious attack by its neighbor with missiles and bombs raining down in its cities, killing its civilians, destroying its schools, it’s churches, its hospitals,” Sullivan continued.
He also announced that “Our current plan is not to replenish that stockpile,” adding that “It is rather to build up the capacity to produce the unitary round of the 155, the non-cluster munition round of ammunition.”
The administration has faced backlash and questions about its moral authority due to the controversial nature of cluster bombs and their potential humanitarian impact. However, Sullivan reiterated that their objective was to support Ukraine in its defense efforts.
While the Biden administration acknowledges the shortage of ammunition and the challenges associated with its replenishment, the decision to send cluster bombs has drawn attention to the long-term consequences and risks of using such weapons. Cluster bombs have raised concerns due to the high number of unexploded bomblets they often leave behind, posing a threat to civilians even after the conflict subsides.
