Majority disapprove of Biden admin sending cluster bombs to Ukraine: poll

A majority of the American public opposes a Biden administration decision to send controversial cluster bombs to Ukraine as it struggles to fight off a Russian invasion.

Cluster munitions function similarly to shotguns, distributing dozens of smaller submunitions to attack targets over a wide area. Human rights groups have condemned their use, as they often produce civilian casualties for decades after the conflict has ended. In addition to their indiscriminate targeting, the submunitions have a high dud rate, meaning undetonated explosives may remain dormant until civilians disturb them, potentially causing death or injury.

In the latest Quinnipiac University survey, 51% of U.S. adults disapproved of the decision to supply Kyiv with such weapons while 39% supported the plan. Democrats backed it 52-36 while Republicans opposed the measure 30-64. Independents were also opposed by a 37-53 margin.

Critics of the move were quick to point out that the Biden administration condemned reports of Russian use of cluster bombs as a possible "war crime" last year, accusing the administration of hypocrisy for supplying them to Ukraine.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has contended that Russian use of cluster munitions has necessitated Ukraine's receipt and use of comparable arms.

Biden's handling of Ukraine more generally earned slightly more favorable marks, though he remains underwater on the issue. 43% backed his handling of the conflict compared to 48% who disapproved of his approach.

His foreign policy as a whole earned less favorable marks, as 39% supported his performance, while 53% disapproved.

Conducted July 13-17, the survey questioned 2,056 U.S. adults and has a margin of error of +/- 2.2%.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.