Biden Approves Anti-Personnel Land Mines for Ukraine Amid Escalating Tensions with Russia
President Joe Biden has approved the provision of anti-personnel land mines to Ukraine, a U.S. official told Reuters. This move aims to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses against Russian advances, particularly in the eastern regions. These mines are part of an expanding array of U.S. military support provided to Kyiv and are expected to complement other advanced munitions.
According to the official, the U.S. anticipates that Ukraine will use the mines solely on its own territory and avoid areas populated by civilians, adhering to its commitments. The Washington Post first reported this development. Requests for comments from Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office, Ukraine’s defense ministry, the Kremlin, and Russia’s defense ministry have gone unanswered.
Key Features of U.S. Land Mines
Unlike Russian mines, U.S. anti-personnel mines are “non-persistent,” designed to become inert after a preset period. These mines rely on batteries for detonation, ceasing to pose a threat once the battery is depleted. This feature reflects efforts to minimize long-term risks to civilians and aligns with international norms prohibiting indiscriminate weapons.
The U.S. has previously provided Ukraine with anti-tank mines, marking an incremental escalation in the sophistication of military aid since the war began.
ATACMS Strikes and Russia’s Reaction
On the 1,000th day of the war, Ukraine used U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike Russian territory, marking a notable escalation. This action followed President Biden’s outgoing administration granting Kyiv permission to expand its operational scope.
The ATACMS missiles, which have the longest range among U.S. munitions provided to Ukraine thus far, sparked sharp condemnation from Moscow. Russian officials claimed the strikes demonstrated Western intent to escalate the conflict. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin lowered the threshold for a nuclear strike, broadening the scenarios under which such an attack might occur
Growing Tensions with NATO
Putin has repeatedly warned that U.S., British, or French missiles used to strike deep into Russian territory could be interpreted as direct NATO involvement in the conflict. The latest development will likely heighten tensions between Moscow and the West, adding urgency to diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation.
As the war grinds on, the U.S. provision of anti-personnel land mines highlights Washington’s deepening military commitment to Ukraine. However, this move risks intensifying global tensions, particularly with NATO, as the conflict shows no signs of abating.