US Provides Landmines to Ukraine Amid Policy Shift
Change in Russian tactics prompts controversial US decision
The United States has decided to supply Ukraine with anti-personnel landmines, marking a significant policy shift criticized by human rights organizations.
This decision, outlined by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a visit to Laos, responds to a shift in Russian military strategy that now emphasizes infantry over mechanized units.
Lloyd Austin stated that Russia no longer leads with mechanized forces, instead deploying dismounted infantry, which results in a need for Ukraine to employ means that can slow these advances.
This change coincides with the Biden administration's recent approval for Ukraine to use US-made long-range missiles within Russian borders.
This move is part of a broader plan to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Trump has expressed skepticism about US support for Ukraine, which has raised concerns in Kyiv and Europe about Ukraine's ability to counter Russian military pressure without US aid.
In 2022, President Biden had previously announced restrictions on US landmine usage, contrasting with Russia's deployment of such weapons in Ukraine.
Despite not being party to the UN Mine Ban Treaty, both Russia and the US have faced criticism over their historical landmine use.
Ukraine, a treaty signatory, is investigating its own reported violations.
The landmines supplied to Ukraine are 'non-persistent' and designed to self-destruct after a period of inactivity to mitigate civilian risk, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
However, the decision has sparked backlash from rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, expressing concerns over the violation of the Mine Ban Treaty and the potential danger posed by aging munitions stocks.
Amnesty International criticized the move as a setback for civilian safety.
The landmine delivery is part of a larger $275 million aid package that also includes HIMARS rocket ammunition and other military support.
This comes as Ukraine and Russia escalate tensions to gain battlefield advantage before the change in US administration.
On a related note, Laos, the location of Austin's comments, continues to deal with the aftermath of US bombings from the Vietnam War era, which have resulted in over 20,000 casualties from unexploded ordnance, as reported by The Halo Trust.
This decision, outlined by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a visit to Laos, responds to a shift in Russian military strategy that now emphasizes infantry over mechanized units.
Lloyd Austin stated that Russia no longer leads with mechanized forces, instead deploying dismounted infantry, which results in a need for Ukraine to employ means that can slow these advances.
This change coincides with the Biden administration's recent approval for Ukraine to use US-made long-range missiles within Russian borders.
This move is part of a broader plan to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Trump has expressed skepticism about US support for Ukraine, which has raised concerns in Kyiv and Europe about Ukraine's ability to counter Russian military pressure without US aid.
In 2022, President Biden had previously announced restrictions on US landmine usage, contrasting with Russia's deployment of such weapons in Ukraine.
Despite not being party to the UN Mine Ban Treaty, both Russia and the US have faced criticism over their historical landmine use.
Ukraine, a treaty signatory, is investigating its own reported violations.
The landmines supplied to Ukraine are 'non-persistent' and designed to self-destruct after a period of inactivity to mitigate civilian risk, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
However, the decision has sparked backlash from rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, expressing concerns over the violation of the Mine Ban Treaty and the potential danger posed by aging munitions stocks.
Amnesty International criticized the move as a setback for civilian safety.
The landmine delivery is part of a larger $275 million aid package that also includes HIMARS rocket ammunition and other military support.
This comes as Ukraine and Russia escalate tensions to gain battlefield advantage before the change in US administration.
On a related note, Laos, the location of Austin's comments, continues to deal with the aftermath of US bombings from the Vietnam War era, which have resulted in over 20,000 casualties from unexploded ordnance, as reported by The Halo Trust.
