Biden approves antipersonnel mines for Ukraine - The Washington Post

The decision follows a recent approval by the White House, which allowed Ukraine to use American-made long-range ATACMS missiles against Russian territory.

The publication notes that the delivery of antipersonnel mines to Ukraine is also potentially controversial. More than 160 countries have signed an international treaty prohibiting their use, as these weapons can cause long-term harm to civilian populations.

However, Ukraine has sought these supplies since Russia launched its full-scale invasion and also deployed antipersonnel mines along the frontlines to hinder Ukraine’s efforts to reclaim its territory.

Reasons for this approval

Officials told the publication that the Biden administration is deeply concerned about Russian attacks on Ukraine’s frontlines in recent weeks and sees an urgent need to counter the offensive. The Pentagon believes that providing mines is one of the most effective steps the Biden administration can take to help slow Russia’s advance.

One official said that the type of antipersonnel mines provided to Ukraine will be non-persistent. This means that the mines will self-destruct or lose battery charge, rendering them inactive and reducing the threat to civilians. According to this source, Ukrainian officials have committed not to place mines in densely populated areas. However, arms control experts have stated that even non-persistent mines pose a safety threat.

A source from The Washington Post also explained why using mines will be beneficial when combined with other munitions.

"Russia is attacking Ukrainian lines in the east with waves of troops, regardless of the casualties that they’re suffering. So, the Ukrainians are obviously taking losses, and more towns and cities are at risk of falling. These mines were made specifically to combat exactly this. When they’re used in concert with the other munitions that we already are providing Ukraine, the intent is that they will contribute to a more effective defense," the official said.

As The Washington Post reports, Biden was initially reluctant to supply mines to Ukraine due to concerns within his own administration and from advocates of anti-mine policies. They argued that the risk to civilians was unacceptably high.

However, Russia’s successes on the battlefield in recent months prompted the White House to seek new ways to assist Ukraine, particularly after the election victory of US President Donald Trump, who pledged to end the war as quickly as possible.

Where the mines will be used

One official explained that the use of the mines will be restricted to Ukrainian territory. They are expected to be deployed in the east of the country.

This decision comes as Russian forces have made significant gains in the Donetsk region and have captured territory at the fastest pace since 2022. Ukrainian forces have struggled to build strong defensive lines in the face of drone strikes and small Russian assault groups.

The Washington Post also added that neither Russia nor the US is among the 164 signatories of the Ottawa Convention, also known as the Mine Ban Treaty, which prohibits the use and transfer of antipersonnel mines.

In 2022, Biden revived the Obama-era policy, which prohibited the transfer and use of American antipersonnel mines outside the Korean Peninsula.

Authorization for strikes with long-range weapons against Russia

On Sunday, the Washington Post reported that President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use long-range weapons to strike Russian territory. This confirmation came one day after US Assistant Secretary of State Brian Nichols officially stated that the White House had given Ukraine the green light to use such weapons.

The Washington Post noted that Biden had approved the use of ATACMS missiles for strikes within Russia. However, several outlets later clarified that the approval specifically concerns the Kursk region.

On the night of November 19, 2024, marking the 1,000th day of the full-scale war, the 67th Arsenal of the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense in the Bryansk region was attacked. Following the strike, a fire broke out at the military facility. According to several Western outlets, including an RBC-Ukraine source within the Ukraine's Defense Forces, this marked the first Ukrainian attack using ATACMS missiles.