The United States government is set to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions as part of a new military aid package worth approximately $800 million, according to two U.S. officials who confirmed the information to Fox News. The package, expected to be formally announced on Friday, will also include Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles, along with ammunition for howitzers and HIMARS.

Cluster munitions are controversial weapons that disperse numerous smaller bomblets across a wide area. These bomblets are designed to target personnel and vehicles, but their widespread dispersal poses a significant risk to civilians and civilian infrastructure. Unexploded bomblets can remain dangerous long after deployment, potentially causing harm years later. U.S. officials emphasized that the munitions being provided will have a lower “dud rate” than older versions, minimizing the risk of unexploded ordnance.

Activists examining cluster bomb units. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari, File)

Both Russia and Ukraine have already used cluster munitions during the conflict. Although the use of cluster bombs is not prohibited under international law, targeting civilians with these weapons constitutes a war crime.

Ukrainian officials have requested this assistance from the U.S. to bolster their counteroffensive against entrenched Russian forces. Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, stated that the Department of Defense possesses multiple variants of cluster munitions, and the ones under consideration for transfer have a low unexploded ordnance rate. He highlighted the effectiveness of these munitions in penetrating armor and targeting multiple personnel, capabilities valuable in offensive operations.

Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Oleksandra Ustinova, a Ukrainian parliament member, emphasized the need for de-mining operations in recaptured territories and argued that having cluster munitions will assist in this process. She also acknowledged Congress's role in urging the Biden administration to reconsider its stance on supplying these weapons.

Damage caused by Russian forces in Borodyanka, Ukraine. (Andrew Fone/ Fox News)

Over 120 countries have joined a convention banning the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions, committing to clearing them after use. However, the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine have not signed this convention.