Biden Approves Supply of Anti-Personnel Mines to Ukraine - WP.

U.S. President Joe Biden has sanctioned the supply of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine. This move will strengthen Kyiv's defense against advancing Russian forces.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine, citing The Washington Post.

The decision followed a recent permit from the White House allowing Ukraine to use American long-range ATACMS missiles against Russian territory.

The publication notes that the delivery of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine is also potentially controversial. Specifically, over 160 countries have signed an international treaty prohibiting their use, as this weapon can cause long-term harm to civilians.

However, Kyiv has sought these supplies since Russia launched its full-scale invasion and also deployed anti-personnel mines on the front lines to hinder Ukraine's efforts to reclaim its territory.

Officials informed the publication that the Biden administration is deeply concerned about Russia's attacks on Ukrainian front lines over the past weeks and sees an urgent need to deter the advance. The Pentagon believes that providing the mines is one of the most useful steps the Joe Biden administration can take to help slow Russian advances.

One official stated that the type of anti-personnel mines provided to Ukraine will be 'non-persistent.' This means the mines will self-destruct or lose their battery charge, making them inactive and reducing the danger to civilians. According to this source, Ukrainian politicians have committed to not deploy mines in densely populated areas. Nevertheless, arms control experts have stated that even 'non-persistent' mines pose security threats.

WP's source also explained why the use of mines would be beneficial in conjunction with other munitions.

'Russia is attacking Ukrainian lines in the east in waves of troops, disregarding the losses they incur. As a result, Ukrainians are clearly suffering casualties, and more cities and towns are at risk of falling. These mines were specifically created to combat this. When used in conjunction with other munitions we are already supplying to Ukraine, they are expected to contribute to a more effective defense,' said the official.

As WP writes, Biden was reluctant to supply Ukraine with mines, facing concerns within his own administration and among a broad range of anti-landmine policy advocates. They argued that the risk to civilians is unacceptably high.

Urgent Assistance to Ukraine

However, Russia's successes on the battlefield in recent months have forced the White House to find new ways to assist Kyiv, especially after the victory of the newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump, who promised to end the war as soon as possible.

One official reported that the use of mines will be limited to Ukrainian territory. They are expected to be used in the eastern part of the country.

This is due to the significant progress made by Russians in the Donetsk region, capturing territory at the fastest rate since 2022. The armed forces of Ukraine have struggled to establish robust defensive lines amid drone flights and small assault groups of Russians.

WP also added that neither Russia nor the U.S. is among the 164 signatories of the Ottawa Convention, also known as the Mine Ban Treaty. This means that the treaty prohibits the deployment and transfer of anti-personnel mines.

Moreover, in 2022, Biden revived the policy from the Obama era that prohibited the transfer and use of American anti-personnel mines outside the Korean Peninsula.