This comes just a day after the U.S. officially gave its approval to Kyiv to use longer-range, American-supplied missiles to launch strikes deeper into Russia. The decision is also a reversal of a pledge Biden made in 2022 to limit the use of such land mines.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the shift in Washington's policy regarding the use of antipersonnel mines was necessary for Ukraine to counter "changing Russian tactics." He noted that Russia's recent string of victories in southeastern Ukraine are being led by individual ground troops, not more protected soldiers in armored vehicles. Thus, Austin claimed Ukraine has "a need for things that can help slow down that effort."
The mines are part of the White House's recent $275 million military aid package for Ukraine. Also included in this package are more HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) units, FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles, 155 millimeter (mm) and 105 mm artillery rounds and a variety of other military equipment as well as spare parts to help maintain existing U.S.-supplied military equipment in Ukraine.
Analysts note that the decision also comes as Biden's outgoing administration reflects on mounting international concerns over Russia's recent battlefield gains in Ukraine and the potential change in foreign policy goals of the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. (Related: Nearly three years into the conflict, Ukraine grapples with dwindling resources as Russia steadily gains ground.)
The Biden White House is committed to providing Ukraine with as much military aid as possible before his term ends on Jan. 20, 2025. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, the White House announced its intention to cancel half of the debt – around $4.6 billion – that Ukraine owes to America.
Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller said the administration informed Congress of the move and that the White House does not expect Congress to pass a resolution of disapproval to try to stop the loan forgiveness because of bipartisan support for aiding Ukraine.
Human rights groups express opposition to giving Ukraine land mines, warn of potential civilian casualties
The White House claims that there are certain safeguards built into the antipersonnel mines Biden is sending Ukraine. One official claimed that the types of mines being sent to Ukraine are "non-persistent," meaning that they become inert after some time.
"They are electrically fused and require battery power to detonate," said the U.S. official who spoke with POLITICO. "Once the battery runs out, they will not detonate."
Regardless, human rights organizations are warning that these weapons pose special and long-term dangers.
"It is devastating, and frankly shocking, that President Biden made such a consequential and dangerous decision just before his public service legacy is sealed for the history books," said Amnesty International USA Advocacy Director for Europe and Central Asia Ben Linden.
"Antipersonnel land mines are indiscriminate weapons that kill and maim civilians, and especially children, for generations after wars end," warned Center for Civilians in Conflict Executive Director Hichem Khadhraoui. "These weapons cannot distinguish between civilians and combatants as required by international humanitarian law."
These groups warn that, as soon as the conflict ends, these mines can be left on the battlefield for generations and potentially cause significant harm to civilians. Ukrainian government estimates suggest that more than 50,000 square miles of Ukrainian territory would need to be searched for mines and other explosives, an area comparable to the land area of Alabama.
Watch this clip from CNN reporting on the White House's decision to approve sending anti-personnel land mines to Ukraine.
This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.
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U.S. pledges another $425 million military aid package for Ukraine.
Biden urges Ukraine to hit North Korean troops that its military encounters on the battlefield.
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