President Biden's recent interview with CNN, where he discussed the United States' supply of 155 mm artillery ammunition, has ignited a firestorm of debate and prompted a clarifying response from the White House. During the interview, Biden defended the decision to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine, describing it as a temporary measure while production of 155 mm shells increases.
"This is a war relating to munitions. And they’re running out of that ammunition, and we’re low on it," Biden stated, explaining the rationale behind sending cluster munitions as a "transition period" while more 155 mm weapons are produced for Ukraine.
Biden's remarks sparked immediate reactions on social media, ranging from confusion to outrage. Conservative commentators and experts questioned the wisdom of publicly discussing U.S. ammunition levels, particularly on a platform accessible to international adversaries. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of such statements on national security and the perception of American military readiness.
In response to the criticism, a White House official clarified Biden's comments, emphasizing that the U.S. maintains specific reserve requirements for weapons and ammunition to address contingencies and conflicts. The official stated that any munitions sent to Ukraine are in excess of these reserves, assuring that the U.S. is not running out of ammunition for its own defense.
The controversy surrounding Biden's remarks highlights the ongoing debate about U.S. support for Ukraine and the potential implications for American military readiness. While the White House has sought to reassure the public, the incident has fueled discussions about the long-term sustainability of providing military aid to Ukraine and its impact on U.S. defense capabilities.
The debate also extends to the decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine. Robert Kennedy Jr., Biden's opponent in the Democratic presidential race, criticized the move, referencing previous statements by White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki that labeled the use of cluster bombs as a potential war crime. Kennedy questioned the shift in policy and called for de-escalation and a pursuit of peace.
