US President Joe Biden has approved the delivery of anti-personnel land mines to Ukraine, a US defense official confirmed to the BBC. The decision aims to slow Russian advances in Ukraine’s eastern regions, where heavy fighting has persisted.
The mines, expected to arrive soon, will only be used on Ukrainian territory. Ukraine has also pledged to avoid deploying these weapons in densely populated areas, adhering to commitments to minimize civilian risks.
Unlike Russia’s traditional landmines, the US-provided mines are “non-persistent,” designed to deactivate after a set period, ranging from four hours to two weeks. These electrically fused devices require battery power to detonate and become inert once the battery depletes, mitigating long-term risks to civilians.
US Bolsters Ukraine’s Military Arsenal
This move follows the Biden administration’s earlier approval of anti-tank mines and longer-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (Atacms), which have reportedly struck Russian targets. Recent attacks targeted Russia’s Bryansk region, where Ukrainian forces fired around eight missiles. According to US officials, Russia intercepted only two, despite its claims of shooting down five.
These developments mark an escalation in the conflict, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accusing Washington of fueling tensions. The Kremlin has vowed retaliation, intensifying an already volatile situation.
Changes to Russia’s Nuclear Doctrine
In a related development, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved amendments to the country’s nuclear doctrine. The new guidelines state that any attack by a non-nuclear state, if supported by a nuclear power, will be treated as a joint assault on Russia.
The US State Department criticized this move, with spokesperson Matthew Miller denouncing Russia’s “irresponsible nuclear rhetoric” as an attempt to intimidate both Ukraine and the global community.
Rising Concerns
Separately, the US embassy in Kyiv issued a warning of a potential air attack on November 20, prompting its temporary closure. US citizens in Ukraine have been advised to shelter in place in response to the heightened threat.
These actions come as the Biden administration faces mounting pressure to strengthen Ukraine’s war effort, with only weeks remaining before the US transitions to a new administration under Donald Trump.
The ongoing developments underscore the complexities of the conflict, with significant implications for global security and diplomacy.