Biden's controversial move: Mine shipments to Ukraine
According to The Washington Post, President Joe Biden has authorized the delivery of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine, citing two sources in the U.S. administration. This move is intended to help Ukrainians counter the advancing Russian offensive.
The decision to provide anti-personnel mines to Ukraine was made concurrently with the U.S. approval for Ukrainians to target areas deep within Russia using weapons supplied by the U.S., reports The Washington Post.
According to the Pentagon, sending these mines is one of the most effective steps the Biden administration can take to help slow down Russia's attacks, emphasizes the newspaper.
"But Kyiv has sought them since Russia invaded nearly three years ago, and the Kremlin’s forces have deployed antipersonnel land mines liberally on the front lines," states the report.
Neither the U.S. nor Russia has signed the convention
The newspaper, citing its sources, reported that the American leader's decision immediately drew criticism from arms control groups because these mines pose a threat to civilians.
The Washington Post recalls that 164 countries worldwide have ratified the convention banning the use of anti-personnel mines, often referred to as the Ottawa Treaty. However, neither the U.S. nor Russia is a party to the convention. In the ongoing war since 2022, such mines have been used by both Russia and Ukraine.
According to an administration representative, the mines transferred to Ukrainians are "nonpersistent." This means they self-destruct or become inactive within a few weeks after deployment, aimed at reducing the risk they pose to civilians.
Ukrainians have reportedly committed to not using mines in densely populated areas and outside their country's borders.
