Geächtete Waffen: Bericht: Zahl der Streubombenopfer rasant gestiegen

The number of cluster bomb casualties surged dramatically in 2025, more than tripling compared to the previous year. At least 1,063 people were killed or injured, marking one of the highest annual totals since the cluster bomb reporting began in 2010. The Cluster Bomb Coalition, a coalition of non-governmental organizations, reported these findings.

Ninety-seven percent of the victims were civilians. Ukraine once again bore the brunt of the impact, suffering the highest number of casualties and injuries. Russian forces, as reported, used internationally banned weapons in Ukraine. At least 927 people were killed or injured there, the fourth consecutive year it had exceeded any other nation.

Cluster bombs have also been used in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, Myanmar, Syria, and Russia. The report notes that new production of cluster munitions takes place in Russia, where they are typically fired from aircraft or rocket launchers. These munitions disperse widely upon exploding, often leaving behind unexploded devices that continue to kill and injure people years later.

Survivors frequently lose limbs. Research by the authors suggests that Russia is producing new cluster munitions and that North Korea has supplied cluster munitions to Russia, which have been used in Ukraine. Ukraine also employed the weapons in Russia, according to the report. The Cluster Bomb Coalition monitors compliance with the "Cluster Munition Ban Convention" (Oslo Convention).

One hundred twelve countries have ratified the treaty, including Germany. The agreement includes a categorical ban on the use, development, production, stockpiling, and transfer of cluster munitions. Neither Russia nor Ukraine has ratified the convention.