In 2025, cluster munitions killed or wounded at least 1,063 people worldwide — one of the highest annual tolls ever recorded — with Ukraine bearing 87 percent of that burden for the fourth consecutive year. Most victims were civilians, including at least 34 children spread across nine countries, their fates shaped not only by active conflict but by weapons that linger in soil and rubble long after wars have moved on. The international framework meant to prevent such harm is fraying: a major signatory withdrew from the treaty, evidence points to continued production and use by numerous states,
Al Jazeera
· Sep 09, 2026
· security
· 2 min read
High
Sourcing: Verified
Cluster munitions kill, wound 1,063 globally in 2025, near-record toll
At least 1,063 people, predominantly civilians including 34 children, were killed or injured by cluster munitions in 2025, with the actual toll likely higher due to unreported casualties.
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War & Conflict
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Bias & Framing
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Geopolitical Impact
🌎
Cluster munitions caused near-record casualties in 2025 (1,063 deaths/injuries), with Ukraine accounting for 87%, revealing widespread treaty violations and production expansion among major powers.
Escalation Risk
high
Confidence
HIGH
Ukraine
Afghanistan
Cambodia
Iraq
Laos
Lebanon
Myanmar
Syria
Russia
Israel
Iran
Erosion of international humanitarian law enforcement; major powers (Russia, US, China, Israel) ignoring Convention on Cluster Munitions; Lithuania's withdrawal signals treaty fragmentation; non-state actors (Houthis) acquiring capabilities; production expansion by China, India, North Korea, and Russia indicates arms race dynamics amid weakened multilateral constraints.
Similar to post-Cold War period (1990s-2000s) when cluster munitions proliferated despite humanitarian concerns; parallels the breakdown of arms control regimes when major powers prioritize military advantage over treaty compliance.
Economic Lens
📈
Cluster munitions caused 1,063 casualties in 2025 (87% in Ukraine), driving humanitarian costs, defense spending, and potential sanctions/trade disruptions affecting global markets.
Market Signal
bearish
Confidence
MED
Defense and military equipment
International trade and sanctions
Healthcare and medical services
Insurance and risk management
Humanitarian aid and NGOs
Real estate and reconstruction
Increased humanitarian aid costs passed to taxpayers; higher insurance premiums in conflict zones; reduced consumer spending in affected regions due to displacement and economic disruption; potential supply chain disruptions from sanctions on weapons-producing nations.
Likely expansion of sanctions against non-compliant nations (Russia, Iran, Myanmar); pressure on US and Israel regarding cluster munition use; potential trade restrictions on countries with new production (China, India, North Korea); increased defense spending by NATO allies; humanitarian aid budget increases; possible treaty enforcement mechanisms strengthened.