Biden transfers convention-prohibited anti-personnel mines to Ukraine – The Washington Post

U.S. President Joe Biden is supplying Kyiv with anti-personnel mines prohibited by international conventions.

This information reported according to The Washington Post, citing sources.

The article notes that this decision has “drawn criticism from arms control groups.”

“More than 160 countries (including Ukraine) have signed an international treaty banning their use, emphasizing that these indiscriminate weapons can cause long-term harm to civilian populations,” the newspaper states.

However, the Biden administration argues that the move is intended to “help slow down Russia’s advance.”

“Ukrainians are clearly taking losses, and more cities and towns are at risk of falling. These mines were specifically designed to counter this kind of threat,” explained a member of the administration.

One official mentioned that the type of mines being supplied is “non-persistent.” They are designed to self-destruct or deactivate within a few days or weeks, reducing the danger to civilians.

“The official also stated that Ukrainian leaders have committed not to deploy these mines in densely populated areas,” the article adds.

Previously, the U.S. had only supplied Ukraine with convention-approved Claymore mines, which are surface-laid and operator-triggered.

Human rights organizations have criticized the decision, calling it a “black mark on Washington’s reputation.”

Human Rights Watch pointed out that even “non-persistent” mines pose risks to civilians, require complex clearance operations, and do not always deactivate reliably.

It’s worth noting that last year, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed a Human Rights Watch report alleging the potential use of anti-personnel mines by Ukrainian forces.