US approves anti-personnel mines for Ukraine

In a significant policy reversal, the Biden administration has approved the shipment of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine to bolster Kyiv's defenses against Russian advances in the eastern regions, according to US officials.

"President Joe Biden has authorized the provision of antipersonnel land mines to Ukraine," The Washington Post reported on Tuesday, quoting two unnamed US officials as saying.

The move, according to the daily, is part of a larger strategy to strengthen Ukraine's war effort as Russia's military gains ground in the protracted conflict.

The mines, described as "non-persistent" and designed to deactivate after a set period ranging from four hours to two weeks, are intended for defensive use within Ukraine's borders.

US officials claimed that Kyiv has pledged to avoid deploying them in densely populated areas.

The mines use an electrical fuse requiring a battery, and the mine becomes inert when the battery runs out, a defense official explained, according to a CNN report.

This policy shift follows the recent US authorization for Ukraine to deploy long-range missile systems capable of striking deep within Russian territory.

Earlier Tuesday, the US State Department approved a possible $100 million sale of military equipment and services to Ukraine.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.

The development comes after reports of North Korea sending troops to support Moscow's war effort.

A senior US official said the move also aims to deter further North Korean involvement in Russia's war on Ukraine, which began in February 2022.

Together, these measures represent urgent steps taken by the Biden administration to aid Ukraine amid growing concerns over faltering defenses.

- Criticism over decision amid escalating Ukraine conflict

While Ukraine has welcomed the support, human rights organizations and arms control advocates have criticized the decision.

Anti-personnel mines have long been condemned for their potential to harm civilians and their enduring danger post-conflict.

The Biden administration had previously pledged in 2022 to curtail their use worldwide, citing the earlier Trump administration reversal that stressed the "need to curtail the use of (anti-personnel mines) worldwide."

Russia is blamed for planting mines extensively since its full-scale invasion began in 2022, using them to fortify defensive lines.

Ukrainian officials have frequently described the density of Russian minefields as a major obstacle to counteroffensive operations.

Meanwhile, Russia accused the US of escalating the conflict.

"Since the beginning of its war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia has sought to coerce and intimidate... through irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and behavior," remarked State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, in response to recent changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine.

The Biden administration's latest decision underscores the urgency of the conflict as time runs out for the current administration to implement its policies before the presidential transition in January.