Biden Reverses Ban, Approves Self-Destructing Mines for Ukraine to Slow Russian Advances

Nov 20, 2024, 02:02 PM

President Joe Biden has approved the provision of nonpersistent antipersonnel land mines to Ukraine, reversing his own previous ban on their use outside the Korean Peninsula. The decision aims to bolster Kyiv's defenses against advancing Russian forces, particularly in the east, by helping to slow their progress. The mines are designed to self-destruct or deactivate after a period, reducing long-term risks to civilians. Ukraine has assured the U.S. that these mines will be used only within its own territory and away from populated areas. Despite these assurances, the move has drawn criticism from arms control and human rights groups, who highlight that over 160 countries have signed an international treaty banning landmines due to their enduring harm to civilians. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the change was prompted by a shift in Russian tactics on the battlefield.