In a tragic incident near Ukraine's southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, Russian war reporter Rostislav Zhuravlev was killed, and three other Russian journalists were injured in an artillery attack.

The Russian Investigative Committee has launched a criminal probe into the killing. According to the committee, armed Ukrainian formations deliberately targeted the group of Russian journalists working near Pyatikhatka. While the type of weapons or munitions used was not specified, the Russian Defence Ministry previously blamed Ukraine's use of cluster munitions.

These munitions, which are banned by many countries due to their widespread damage and risk to civilians, have been used by both sides during Russia's 17-month invasion of Ukraine. The incident comes just days after Ukraine received supplies of cluster munitions from the United States.

Ukraine had vowed to use them solely against concentrations of enemy soldiers. However, Russia alleges that they were used against journalists. The use of cluster munitions in the Russia-Ukraine war has raised international concerns.

A report by Human Rights Watch revealed that both Russian and Ukrainian forces have used these munitions, leading to hundreds of civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Cluster munitions pose severe risks in the short and long term, as a significant number do not detonate immediately and can cause explosions for years to come.

To address the issue, the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) was established. The treaty prohibits the use, transfer, production, and stockpiling of cluster munitions. As of now, 103 nations, including the UK, France, and Germany, have ratified or signed the Convention.

However, countries like India, Pakistan, the United States, and Russia still possess significant stockpiles and have not joined the CCM. India, a non-signatory to the CCM, acknowledges the humanitarian concerns associated with cluster munitions but deems them as "legitimate weapons."

India has imported cluster munitions from the United States, the UK, and France, and has not disclosed details about its stockpiled munitions. In 2018, four Indian banks were criticized for financing cluster munitions producers.

The tragic killing of a Russian war reporter underscores the urgency and importance of tackling the use of cluster munitions in conflicts. It calls for greater global adherence to the CCM and increased efforts to eliminate existing stockpiles and clear contaminated areas. Only by working together can the international community create a safer and more humane environment in war zones.