US Approves Landmine Use For Ukraine As Aid Intensifies Amid Russian Advances.
The United States has approved the provision of anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine, a senior defence official has confirmed. This move is part of an increased effort to assist Ukraine in slowing Russian advances across the eastern frontlines.
Ukraine has pledged to deploy mines responsibly, ensuring they remain active for a limited duration and are not used in densely populated areas. The decision follows Ukraine’s earlier use of US-supplied long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike Russian targets, a move that drew sharp warnings from Moscow.
Russia has labelled the missile use as direct US involvement in the conflict. In response, President Vladimir Putin has amended Russia’s nuclear doctrine to treat attacks from non-nuclear states, when supported by nuclear powers, as joint assaults on Russian territory.
A Tactical Necessity
For Ukraine’s forces, battling to resist Russia’s relentless push, the tactical use of mines has become crucial. Serhiy Kuzan from the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre described the challenges faced by Ukraine’s troops: “We need more anti-personnel mines. Russian tactics involve sending small groups on suicide missions to infiltrate our positions, creating major difficulties for our exhausted front-line troops.”
Ukraine argues that the use of “non-persistent” mines, which deactivate after a set time, poses minimal risk to civilians in the largely evacuated rural areas of the Donbas, where much of the fighting occurs.
Escalating Tensions
As tensions escalate, the US embassy in Kyiv has temporarily closed, citing intelligence about a potential “significant air attack” on 20 November. The embassy has advised US citizens in Ukraine to exercise heightened caution and prepare for disruptions to utilities and essential services.
A Controversial Decision
The use of anti-personnel mines has long been controversial. The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, adopted in 1997, prohibits their use, production, and stockpiling due to their devastating long-term effects on civilians. Although Ukraine is a signatory to the convention, neither the US nor Russia are parties.
Human rights groups have raised concerns over the reintroduction of mines into modern warfare. However, Ukraine maintains that its use of time-limited mines is necessary to counter Russia’s overwhelming manpower and artillery advantage.
Looking Ahead
As the conflict in Ukraine intensifies, the international community remains divided over the implications of this decision. While the US continues to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, the risk of further escalation looms large, with Russia warning of tangible responses to perceived provocations.
The situation underscores the complexity of modern conflict, where tactical decisions often carry profound humanitarian and geopolitical consequences.
