Now, Mr. Biden’s aides think they have little choice.
Ukraine, which has deployed cluster munitions of its own in the war, is burning through the available supply of conventional artillery shells, and it will take time to ramp up production.
One American official said Thursday that it was now clear that the weapons are “100 percent necessary” to meet the current battlefield needs.
The administration has also been aware that sending the weapons to Ukraine would be enormously unpopular among allies and members of Mr. Biden’s own party; over the years, many Democrats have led the charge to bar the use of the weapons by American troops.
When, five days into the war, Jen Psaki, then the White House press secretary, was asked about the Russian use of unconventional weapons, including cluster munitions, she said: “We have seen the reports.
Persons:
Biden, Volodymyr Zelensky, Biden’s, Jen Psaki
Organizations:
American, White House
Locations:
Ukraine, United States, Russia