The Biden administration has approved the transfer of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine, marking a significant departure from previous U.S. policy. This decision comes shortly after the U.S. granted Ukraine permission to use long-range American missiles against targets in Russia, a move made after months of Ukrainian lobbying, according to U.S. officials cited by CNN.
The anti-personnel mines are intended to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against Russian forces, particularly to reinforce defensive lines within Ukrainian territory. U.S. officials emphasized that the mines are not meant for offensive use against Russian territory. To mitigate risks to civilians, Washington has sought assurances from Ukraine that every effort will be made to minimize potential harm from the deployment of these weapons.
Until now, the U.S. had refrained from providing Ukraine with anti-personnel mines due to concerns over the long-term dangers they pose to civilian populations. These mines are known for their lingering risks, as they can remain active for years after conflicts end. However, the ongoing conflict and Ukraine’s urgent need for defensive measures appear to have prompted the policy change.
This shift follows earlier U.S. assistance in providing Ukraine with anti-tank mines designed to counter Russian armored vehicles. The latest decision represents an escalation in the scope of U.S. military aid, signaling Washington’s increasing commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense.
The move contrasts with a pledge made by the Biden administration in June 2022 to limit the use of anti-personnel mines globally. At the time, the White House stated its commitment to reducing reliance on such weapons, halting their development and export, and working toward the destruction of existing stockpiles. The administration’s policy also aimed to align U.S. practices with the goals of the Ottawa Treaty, an international agreement banning anti-personnel mines—a treaty the U.S. has not signed.
The delivery of these mines underscores the evolving dynamics of U.S. military aid to Ukraine as the war with Russia continues. It reflects the administration’s growing willingness to provide advanced and controversial weapons in response to Ukraine’s battlefield needs, even as such decisions raise broader ethical and humanitarian considerations.
This policy shift is likely to draw scrutiny from critics of landmine use, who warn of their indiscriminate nature and potential to harm civilians long after the conflict concludes. However, proponents argue that the provision of these mines is a necessary step to help Ukraine resist Russian aggression effectively.
