Washington Post: US President approves transfer of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine

20 November, 2024 Warning about mined territory. Photo credits: Suspilne U.S.

President Joe Biden has approved the supply of American anti-personnel mines to Ukraine. The Washington Post reported on this, citing two unnamed officials. The White House is concerned about the intensification of the Russian invasion forces' offensive on the front lines in recent months and considers it necessary to help Ukraine stop this advance.

The Pentagon believes that providing anti-personnel mines is one of the most effective ways to slow down the Russian offensive. According to the publication's source, the use of mines will be limited to Ukrainian territory, with an expected emphasis on its eastern part.

M14 high-explosive anti-personnel mines. Photo from open sources

One of the officials mentioned that the type of anti-personnel mines to be provided to Ukraine is "unstable," meaning that they self-destruct or lose battery power, making them inactive, thus reducing the danger to civilians.

The official noted that the Ukrainian side has committed itself not to place mines in densely populated areas. The American publication points out that U.S. President Joe Biden was reluctant to approve the supply of mines to Ukraine earlier because of concerns within his administration and from mine action advocates who say the risk to civilians is unacceptably high.

However, the advance of Russian troops in recent months has forced the White House to find new ways to help Ukraine resist aggression. The decision to send anti-personnel mines follows the recent White House authorization to use U.S. ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles in Russia.

A Ukrainian soldier installs an M18A1 Claymore mine. Fall 2022, Ukraine. Frame from a video of the Ukrainian 110th Brigade

The United States has previously provided Ukraine with another type of anti-personnel mine, the M18A1 Claymore, which can be laid on the ground or attached to local objects (poles, walls, etc.) by hand.

M18A1 Claymore mine in Ukraine. Fall 2022, Ukraine. Photo from social media

The mine's operational life is not limited, and it does not have a self-destruct system.

However, in the United States, their use is considered "satisfactory" under mine ban conventions, provided they are used properly.