Russia criticizes US decision to send cluster bombs to Ukraine. (Source: Reuters)

In a statement, the Canadian government said: "We do not support the use of cluster munitions and are committed to ending the impact of cluster munitions on civilians, especially children.

Canada adheres to the Convention on Cluster Munitions and takes seriously its obligations under the Convention to promote its global application."

Another US ally, Germany, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed opposition to Washington sending cluster bombs to Ukraine.

On the same day, the Russian Foreign Ministry declared that the US decision to supply cluster bombs to Ukraine was an “act of desperation” that showed “weakness”.

Washington had previously announced it would provide Kiev with the banned bombs as part of a new $800 million security package, bringing the total US military aid to Ukraine to $40 billion since Russia began its special military operation in the neighboring Eastern European country in February 2022.

Cluster bombs typically release large numbers of smaller bomblets, which can cause death and injury over a wide area. Unexploded bombs often pose a danger decades after a conflict ends.