Japan not opposed to U.S. plan to supply cluster munitions to Ukraine

In Japan's samurai world, i.e., in the feudal times, swords particularly called "nihonto (or Japanese sword)" were revered like the divinity albeit they were essentially for killing. Or they were at least considered status symbols of authority for the samurai class.

Do weapons of mass destruction occupy the same status as this in the mind of some people? Today, the unduly possession of swords is prohibited by law like any other firearms.

Go try living in either country and tell us the truth. Oh yeah, bring a VPN or you won't be able to access Japan Today from either country, and hope ....

Evidently, you lived in the named countries:))) Please, tell us what it looks like. You dont believe the information from the russian side, considering it propaganda, then tell the truth, je vous en prie. To the point JT in Russia goes without VPN. Maybe RT is not blocked chez vous? Or is it something different?

Your posts are designed for the zombie part of people. It's better to reason the state of affairs at the front on the basis of information from both sides. But Ukrainians are forbidden to disclose the truth. Anna Malyar simply invents all the information. The same time you don’t read Russian telegram at all. So....you are ignorant tout a fait .

"retreating Russian forces" - is your tale invented for the purpose. You cannot know it! Or maybe it's your new tutorial, хз. I've just checked telegram. There are no significant changes on the front. Obviously, the Ukrainians did not advance further than the "eight" villages.

Just as weapons of mass destruction, such as gas shells and atomic bombs, are inhumane and immoral, so are cluster bombs, I think.

As a member of a military organization in a war there are a lot of ways to die in combat, and statistically even more ways to die in non-combat training. None of these are particularly pleasant ways to go out. The problem for cluster munition is not that they kill enemy soldiers. In a war as a soldier, sailor or airman, it is your duty to kill the enemy.

The problem for cluster munition is that some fail to explode on the enemy and remain on the battlefield after the battle is concluded. Those remaining unexploded cluster munitions if not removed can become a deadly hazard to civilians. The US at least puts enormous effort into designing their cluster munitions to not leave unexploded ordnance on the battlefield. Like I said I have seen programs cancelled for dud rates in excess of 1%.

US forces at least also take the time and effort to remove any unexploded ordnance left over from battle so they do not become a hazard to the civilian population. Ukraine is already filled with anti-vehicle mines left by retreating Russian forces. Their forests and farms are covered with these. It will take many yeas to clear all of these out. The Ukrainians are not going to use their cluster munitions willy nilly. They will be aimed at Russians invading their land in a frontal line that is already filled with landmines. I doubt any duds will contribute noticeably to the post battle explosive ordnance disposal problem already created by Russian landmines and various other unexploded missiles and rockets.

And calling one of the worlds most intelligent leaders “”mini-me” is actually offensive. He is trying to prevent WW3. You want that?

Womp Womp Womp.

He walked his country into a situation he can’t get out of. He did this to his own country. He can’t be that smart.

He’s not trying to prevent WW3. He’s trying to preserve his own skin. Oh, and he’s a war criminal midget with a Napoleon complex. Mini-me is the least-worst thing he could accurately be called.

And how do the majority of Japanese feel about the use of cluster bombs ?

japanese only have regular articles of cute blond Ukrainian women crying, wearing fashion clothes, living free in central Tokyo apartments, free healthcare, utilities, schooling and ¥2800 a day pocket money each.

no news about 14000 Donbass civilians murdered by Ukrainian Nazis, before Russia intervened.

Just as weapons of mass destruction, such as gas shells and atomic bombs, are inhumane and immoral, so are cluster bombs, I think.

 Then, why must Japan endorse the U.S.'s decision to provide Ukraine with cluster bombs?

We will toe the line with you for whatever you say because we think you are always unquestionably right.

What ol' Jack Burton always saysJuly 11 05:16 pm JST

NATO is 6x the population of Russia and wars aren't won by population these days anyways.

Nope

Wrong again.

Where do you access your info ? The fantasy section of childrens bookstores

100% correct aside from my typo. You, on the other hand, can't even present an argument.

They /Russians/invaded, took strategic territory illegally and stayed. 

Question-why they did so?

This is a question that belongs in the field of criminology. While theories can be made on why criminals do things, it is often hard to predict exactly who is likely to commit a criminal act.

Not really. Vladimir Putin has been saying for many years that he considers several currently independent nations such as Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Moldova, Ukraine and Kazakhstan to be illegitimate nations that belong to "Russiya Mir" or the Russian World. It is an ideology he and many Russians including the Russian Orthodox Church adhere to. To the adherent of Russiya Mir, those nations are not true nations and their independence is temporary. They see the borders of the old Russian Empire before the Bolshevik Revolution to be the natural boundary of Russia.

KukuToday 07:21 am JST

Usually I don't read your posts so I noticed it by accident.

27 hectares of the territory allocated in Ochakov for the base is a harmless tire shop, of course. With a restricted zone 1 km wide without the right to violate it, even for representatives of the Ukrainian authorities. Kharchenko didn't tell you about it? The Americans were in no hurry to build, they thought that everything was already under control, and Russia was already at gunpoint. In addition to Ochakov, a naval base was planned in Berdyansk. Well, that's all in the past now. And the beginnings of the base in Ochakovo are in ruins now. It was one of the military targets.

They are going to rebuild it as soon as Russia is tired of killing its young men. How does that make you feel? You should read my posts more so I can give you some more love.

Nice to know that killing innocent civilians either during a war or after isn't a war crime.

Then explain why the USA said it was a war crime if Russia uses them in Ukraine ?

It is only a war crime if a nation uses cluster munitions against civilian targets. Using top attack munitions to destroy an armored column or a Russian troop concentration is a legitimate use of these weapons.

I wonder if someone ever has considered a recalculation. Its usage will bring massive boomerang effects , maybe even suicidal for the Ukrainian army and the remaining living civilians there. Considering those cluster ammo will really used only on Ukrainian territory, then isn’t it obvious, who even more quickly runs out of soldiers and civilians?

From first hand personal experience the US has eliminated all of its legacy cluster munitions and replaced them with munitions that have a dude rate below 1%. The goal is a zero dud rate and I have seen weapons fail to qualify because they could not meet the dud rate standard. Many of these munitions are now guided top attack munitions designed to be fired from a large mortar or howitzer and drop guided bomblets onto tanks and armored vehicles hitting their weakest points. It is not just spray and pray like the past with unguided bombs or unguided rockets spraying cluster munitions over a wide area. Most now are guided. You can clear out an armored column with these.

Previous generations of cluster munitions had dud rates over 10%. It is the duds that represent a hazard to the civilian population. The US military takes the matter seriously as nobody in the US wants to see their weapons killing innocents. Every one of us winces when a dud cluster munition is in the press. Like I said, I have seen proposed new weapons fail qualification due to a dud rate beyond spec.

The fact is there is no better way to clear out a square kilometer of enemy troops and vehicles than cluster munitions. To do it with what are called unitary warheads, one warhead per weapon, requires a lot of artillery shells, artillery rockets or missiles. You also need a big warhead to clear out a big area if it a unitary warhead. Not so with cluster munitions Two HIMARS or one MLRS unit firing cluster munitions can clear literally a square kilometer of enemy troops and equipment. The Ukrainians have to grind their way through about a 40-50 kilometer deep defensive line the Russians have constructed. Cluster munitions are a great way to get through that obstacle.

Last, consider that retreating Russian forces have already left much or eastern Ukraine sewn with land mines. In most recaptured areas residents know not to leave paved surfaces. Forest are off limits. Farms too as the Russians have left tens of thousands, perhaps millions of mines in Ukrainian farmland. A 1% or less dud rate on cluster munitions fired at Russian troops is an infinitesimally small problem compared to the amount of mines being sewn by Russian forces.

On Friday, Washington said it will provide the weapons to Kyiv for the first time ever as part of an $800 million military aid package to support Ukraine in its ongoing war, launched by Russia in February 2022.

But...But....But......Ukraine was using cluster bombs on their own citizens back in 2014.

Please don't let MSM conspiracy theories get the better of you.

Human Rights Watch

Ukraine: Widespread Use of Cluster Munitions

(Berlin) – Ukrainian government forces used cluster munitions in populated areas in Donetsk city in early October 2014,

https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/10/20/ukraine-widespread-use-cluster-munitions

When they started building a base in Ochakovo.

Kharchenko confirmed the widely available public information that “U.S. forces built several buildings here.” Among them are the so-called Maritime Operations Center, which he described as “a small building of 10 meters by 30 meters,” a boat maintenance facility and a building to store the five Willards, which Ukrainian media described as intended for use by special forces on stealthy missions.

Usually I don't read your posts so I noticed it by accident.

27 hectares of the territory allocated in Ochakov for the base is a harmless tire shop, of course. With a restricted zone 1 km wide without the right to violate it, even for representatives of the Ukrainian authorities. Kharchenko didn't tell you about it? The Americans were in no hurry to build, they thought that everything was already under control, and Russia was already at gunpoint. In addition to Ochakov, a naval base was planned in Berdyansk. Well, that's all in the past now. And the beginnings of the base in Ochakovo are in ruins now. It was one of the military targets.

*aren't won

EastmanToday 04:16 pm JST

Thunderbird2

They /Russians/invaded, took strategic territory illegally and stayed. 

Question-why they did so?

This is a question that belongs in the field of criminology. While theories can be made on why criminals do things, it is often hard to predict exactly who is likely to commit a criminal act.

KukuToday 03:12 pm JST

Actions are needed.

If Russia is expecting surrender actions from NATO, it will we waiting a LONG time. Russia isn't the only one with pride.

KukuToday 03:12 pm JST

I wonder what you were speaking when Russia, before all these military events, asked the Western world for guarantees of her security?

We said Russia could even be in NATO but it had to get in line like everybody else and meet the standards.

Then, when the "peace-loving" NATO bases approached the borders of Russia.

NATO was extremely considerate of moving forces close to Russia. The forces in the Baltics are literally token forces to this day, which is a problem.

When they started building a base in Ochakovo.

Kharchenko confirmed the widely available public information that “U.S. forces built several buildings here.” Among them are the so-called Maritime Operations Center, which he described as “a small building of 10 meters by 30 meters,” a boat maintenance facility and a building to store the five Willards, which Ukrainian media described as intended for use by special forces on stealthy missions.

Yeah, that is some scary stuff there.

When americans planed five (or maybe more) bases in Crimea.

That's impressive that the US planned five bases in Crimea between the Maidan ending on 22 February and two days back in time on 20 February when the Crimean invasion started.

You probably didn't even notice it, you, our peacemaker. ... There's no stopping it now...Your call alone is not enough. Actions are needed. But the West is only showing escalation. The West imagined that it must definitely win. The Russians will never leave the conquered territories. Because these are Russian territories

Sounds like you are more interested in territory grabs than peace. The law is clear they are not Russia's.

@Kuku

The Russians will never leave the conquered territories. Because these are Russian territories

What utter bollox. They invaded, took strategic territory illegally and stayed. How would YOU like it if your neighbour broke into your garden and said it was their garden?

What a stupid war it is.

Stop fighting

Make peace.

And don't berate me for wanting the war to end .

I wonder what you were speaking when Russia, before all these military events, asked the Western world for guarantees of her security? Then, when the "peace-loving" NATO bases approached the borders of Russia. When they started building a base in Ochakovo. When americans planed five (or maybe more) bases in Crimea. You probably didn't even notice it, you, our peacemaker. ... There's no stopping it now...Your call alone is not enough. Actions are needed. But the West is only showing escalation. The West imagined that it must definitely win. The Russians will never leave the conquered territories. Because these are Russian territories

Why am i not surprised Japan isn't condemning the use of weapons that are considered war crimes

Who considers it a war crime?

And don't berate me for wanting the war to end .

The only group that doesn’t want the war to end is Russia. They are also the only ones that can end this unilaterally, tomorrow.

they don’t want to though.

The use of cluster bombs is not a war crime even if many countries have banned them. The use of cluster bombs itself does not violate international law, but using them against civilians can be a violation.

It’s clear to see who is pro russia on here and Anti-American.

Never mind the subject of the war.

opheliajadefeldtToday  10:57 am JST

The very thought of cluster bombs and what they do is revolting. It is understood that the Russians have been using them since the start of their crusade to create another empire, under Vlad the Great, but the Ukrainians should not retaliate by doing the same. These weapons are vile are linger yrs and yrs after

Ophelia, another victim of one-sided information. Apparently, you haven't read (you were disgusted to read about the vile Russians in Donetsk) that Ukrainians regularly shelled the city of Donetsk with the famous petal mines. Many people were blown up by these mines. Children, inclu. Read the telegram channel of Semyon Pegov "Wargonzo" a Russian military correspondent, he also blew up on such a mine. And there will also be victims of the detonation of these mines. Your angelic Ukrainians did it.

Ukrainians regularly shell Donetsk with cluster shells. Hypocrite!

Not really a two way relationship is it!

The puppets will bow to the Ringleader.

The very thought of cluster bombs and what they do is revolting. It is understood that the Russians have been using them since the start of their crusade to create another empire, under Vlad the Great, but the Ukrainians should not retaliate by doing the same. These weapons are vile are linger yrs and yrs after any war.

EastmanToday  08:45 am JST

as expected.

japanese stance equals to US stance and vice versa.

The policy ends at “vice” without the versa unfortunately lol

Plenty of NATO countries who signed the ban are looking the other way as well.

Russia is also regularly shelling innocent people in cities and towns. Should the Ukrainian forces do the same?

The Russian invaders have already been using cluster bombs on the Ukranians. But that's not an issue for anyone here, right?

Japan under US-installed LDP rule cannot voice opposition, it's as simple as that.

How many years has Russia been using cluster bombs in Ukraine, Syria, Chechnya, and Georgia? Do these people not have a right to protect themselves?

I wonder if someone ever has considered a recalculation. Its usage will bring massive boomerang effects , maybe even suicidal for the Ukrainian army and the remaining living civilians there. Considering those cluster ammo will really used only on Ukrainian territory, then isn’t it obvious, who even more quickly runs out of soldiers and civilians?

The boss has spoken. What do you want?

So much for being a signatory of the Cluster Munitions ban. Agree with dagon, LDP are spineless.

Japan not opposed to U.S. plan to supply cluster munitions to Ukraine

If it was a US plan, I bet they would even not oppose tactical nuclear weapons. The LDP has no ethics.

No opinion fromJapan, a country promoting peace. Politics…..