Biden Approves Supply of Landmines to Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict
- President Biden has agreed to send anti-personnel mines to Ukraine.
- Sources report that Ukraine has promised to use the mines only on its territory and not in populated areas.
- Anti-personnel mines are buried landmines that explode when someone steps on them.
U.S. Supplies Landmines to Ukraine
President Biden has agreed to send anti-personnel mines to Ukraine. U.S. officials confirm that the goal is to slow down the Russian advance in eastern Ukraine.
Sources report that Ukraine has promised to use the mines only on its territory and not in populated areas.
Anti-personnel mines are buried landmines that explode when someone steps on them. The latest designs can be set to deactivate after a certain period, preventing them from becoming a danger to civilians later on.
Background on U.S. Policy
Ten years ago, the United States stopped producing and purchasing anti-personnel mines due to the death and injuries caused to civilians by older mines. The mines being sent to Ukraine can deactivate after a set time and do not fall under international treaties banning mines.
Human rights activists criticize the U.S. decision to supply these mines. Human Rights Watch has expressed concerns that the mines may not deactivate reliably.
Additional Military Support
The U.S. has already provided Ukraine with anti-tank mines. Recently, Ukraine used American ATACMS missiles for the first time to target Russian sites. Until now, the U.S. had only permitted Ukraine to use American missiles in areas occupied by Russia.