In a significant policy shift, President Joe Biden has authorized the supply of antipersonnel land mines to Ukraine, as reported by The Washington Post. This decision comes as Russian forces continue their aggressive push in eastern Ukraine, threatening to breach Ukrainian defenses. The move aims to fortify Kyiv’s military capabilities in response to recent Russian advances, particularly in the Donetsk region where gains have been made at the fastest rate since 2022. Despite earlier reluctance due to humanitarian concerns, the urgency of Ukraine’s situation has prompted this change. The mines provided are described as “nonpersistent,” designed to deactivate or self-destruct, thereby minimizing long-term risks to civilians. However, the decision has not been without controversy, as it contradicts Biden’s earlier stance and the international Ottawa Convention which bans such mines because of their indiscriminate impact.
This development follows closely on the heels of the U.S. granting permission for Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles against targets inside Russia, signaling a broader strategy shift by the Biden administration in the final weeks of its term. The provision of mines, while seen as a tactical necessity by some to slow down Russian advances, has drawn sharp criticism from arms control advocates. Mary Wareham of Human Rights Watch described the move as “shocking,” highlighting the inherent dangers these weapons pose to civilian populations even when designed to self-deactivate. The administration, aware of these criticisms, has committed to aiding in the post-conflict mine clearance efforts to address the legacy these weapons might leave behind. This policy reversal underscores the complex balance between military strategy and humanitarian considerations in the ongoing conflict.
