The United States has announced its intent to furnish Ukraine with antipersonnel mines in an effort to aid them in their fight against Russian military advances. This decision is not without controversy, as it has been met with opposition from global human rights organizations, particularly due to the use of similar devices by Russia.
The switch in U.S. stance on the provision of these controversial weapons came about in response to a shift in Russian military strategies, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during his visit to Laos on November 20. Austin explained that Russia’s approach now involves leading with dismounted forces that prepare the way for mechanized forces, hence, Ukraine requires resources that can disrupt this approach.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has recorded that Russia has utilized at least 13 different types of antipersonnel mines in Ukraine since February 2022, leading to hundreds of casualties and significant land contamination. The group has criticized the U.S. decision, stating that it puts civilian lives at risk and hinders global efforts to eliminate these indiscriminate weapons.
While over 160 countries have agreed to ban the use of antipersonnel mines, neither the U.S. nor Russia are part of this agreement. Ukraine, however, ratified the agreement back in 2005. When questioned about their use of such mines, Ukraine refrained from giving any details, stating that it would only provide information after the war and restoration of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The mines provided by the U.S. are believed to be “nonpersistent,” which means they become inactive and harmless after a certain period. Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has applauded this decision, expressing that the mines will be vital in countering Russian attacks and strengthening Ukraine’s frontline troops.
In other news, the U.S. embassy in Kyiv is set to resume regular operations on November 21, following a temporary closure due to a potential air strike threat. The embassies of Italy, Greece, and Spain also temporarily closed their operations following the U.S. warning, with Spain reopening its embassy later. The Ukrainian military has labeled the information regarding the threat as “fake.”
Further aiding Ukraine, U.S. President Joe Biden has informed Congress of his plans to forgive $4.65 billion in loans to Ukraine. Despite these measures, the White House has not officially confirmed the decision.
The article also highlights other significant developments such as Ukraine’s military intelligence agency’s claim of successfully striking a Russian military command post in Gubkin, Russia, and the reported use of a British-supplied Storm Shadow missile by the Ukrainian military. The mayor of Ukraine’s Black Sea port of Odesa has also reported a rise in fatalities following a Russian strike on the city.
