(Kyiv) – The United States, under President Joe Biden, has announced plans to supply antipersonnel landmines to Ukraine as part of a $275 million military aid package. This move aims to slow Russia’s military advances, which have intensified in recent weeks, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region. The shift in policy has drawn both international criticism and support.
Outgoing U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized that the mines, designed to self-deactivate within a set timeframe, aim to limit harm to civilians while addressing a critical need for Ukraine. Speaking during a visit to Laos, Austin noted that Russian forces increasingly rely on ground troops, making such tools vital for Ukraine’s defense. He assured that these mines, unlike traditional “persistent” mines, would become inert after their batteries deplete, ranging from four hours to two weeks.
Ukraine’s military has been actively training on explosive ordinance disposal, including landmines, with NATO allies in the United Kingdom. While Ukraine has long sought such weaponry, the decision by Washington reflects an urgent response to Russia’s recent territorial gains. The Biden administration’s announcement comes shortly before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office, adding urgency to the move. Trump has expressed intentions to end the war and has been critical of U.S. spending on Ukraine.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian organizations, including Amnesty International, which labeled the policy a “reckless setback.” Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide also called the move problematic, pointing out that Ukraine is a signatory to the Mine Ban Treaty, which opposes the use of antipersonnel mines.
Austin defended the U.S. position, highlighting Ukraine’s existing production of antipersonnel mines and arguing that the U.S.-supplied versions are safer due to their self-detonating features. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, stated that Ukraine has committed to deploying the mines strictly within its own borders and away from civilian areas.
The package also includes High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), artillery rounds, Javelin anti-armor munitions, and spare parts to bolster Ukraine’s military capacity. The inclusion of antipersonnel mines, however, is the most controversial component, as such weapons remain banned by over 160 countries under the 1997 Ottawa Convention.
Ukraine’s war efforts have recently expanded into Russian territory, with reports of attacks on drone factories and ammunition depots in Russia’s Belgorod and Novgorod regions. The developments come as Western nations continue to supply Ukraine with advanced weaponry. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Ukraine has deployed British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles against Russian targets, further escalating tensions.
Russia’s response has been stark, with President Vladimir Putin announcing changes to the country’s nuclear doctrine. The revisions lower the threshold for deploying nuclear weapons, potentially in retaliation to conventional attacks supported by NATO-aligned nations.
The ongoing conflict also highlights the humanitarian cost. Ukraine is already considered the most mined country in the world, with extensive minefields laid by Russian forces. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the war, with the commemoration of 659 Ukrainian children killed since the invasion beginning in February 2022. Efforts to clear mines have been slow and costly, with estimates suggesting it may take decades to demine Ukraine fully.
While the mines are designed to self-neutralize, critics are arguing that even non-persistent mines pose risks to civilians and complicate post-war recovery efforts. According to NATO, clearing landmines can cost up to $1,000 per mine, far exceeding their production cost of $3 to $75.