Biden Greenlights Antipersonnel Land Mines for Ukraine, Reversing Previous Policy
US President Joe Biden has reportedly authorized the delivery of “nonpersistent” antipersonnel land mines to Ukraine, aiming to strengthen Kiev’s defense against advancing Russian forces. This decision marks a reversal of his own stance from 2022, when he criticized the Trump administration’s policy of expanding the use of these mines, calling it “reckless” and dangerous for civilians. Biden had previously argued that such mines put civilians at unnecessary risk and offered no significant military advantage.
Antipersonnel land mines, designed to detonate when pressure is applied, can cause severe injuries or death, often resulting in amputations or damage to vital senses. While “nonpersistent” mines are meant to self-destruct or deactivate after a short period, experts caution that they still pose significant long-term hazards. The decision has drawn criticism from various quarters, with figures like Elon Musk calling Biden’s approval of the move “insane,” while others see it as a further escalation of the conflict with Russia.
The use of antipersonnel mines is banned under the 1997 Ottawa Convention, signed by 164 countries, including Ukraine. Despite the ban, some countries continue to deploy them, and Russia has accused Ukraine of using such mines in the ongoing conflict, particularly in the Donbass region. The international community continues to push for the destruction of existing mines and the clearance of affected lands, but Biden’s decision risks undermining these global efforts.
