The US has authorized the provision of antipersonnel land mines to Ukraine, a move that aims to bolster Kyiv’s defenses against advancing Russian troops but has drawn criticism from arms control groups. The decision comes after Russia’s battlefield progress in recent months has forced the White House to find fresh ways to help Kyiv.
Ukraine has sought these types of mines since Russia invaded nearly three years ago, and the Kremlin’s forces have deployed them liberally on the front lines, impeding Ukraine’s progress as it seeks to reclaim its own territory. The Biden administration is concerned about Russia’s assaults against Ukraine’s front lines in recent weeks and sees a pressing need to blunt the advance.
The US mines being provided are described as “nonpersistent,” meaning they self-destruct or lose battery charge to render them inactive within days or weeks, and Ukrainian policymakers have committed to not deploying them in densely populated areas. However, arms control experts say even nonpersistent mines pose safety hazards.
The decision comes after the Biden administration had initially been reluctant to supply Ukraine with these types of mines due to concerns about civilian safety. The US has provided other types of antipersonnel mines to Ukraine, but these new ones are set above ground and triggered by an operator, making them permissible under mine ban conventions if used properly.
The provision of the mines is part of a broader effort to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. Ukrainian officials have welcomed any policy change, acknowledging that Russia already uses landmines on its own territory. However, human rights campaigners say the US decision is a black mark against Washington and will put civilians at risk.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/11/19/biden-landmines-ukraine-russia