President Joe Biden has authorized the provision of controversial anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine as part of a push to enhance support for Kyiv during his final days in office. This decision follows the previous allowance for Ukrainian forces to launch strikes deep into Russian territory using American-made weapons like ATACMS missiles.
Anti-personnel landmines, which are designed to detonate when military personnel come into contact with them, have a controversial history and are banned by over 150 countries, although the U.S. and Russia are not signatories to this ban.
What Are Anti-Personnel Landmines?
Landmines are explosive devices placed underground that detonate when triggered by movement. They are categorized into two main types: anti-tank mines, which target armored vehicles, and anti-personnel mines, which are made to injure or kill enemy personnel. These mines can serve various tactical purposes, including protecting facilities, setting ambushes, and controlling enemy movement.
Some landmines are designed to self-destruct after a designated time, while others can remain hazardous for decades.
Why Are They Controversial?
Anti-personnel landmines are deemed indiscriminate, posing dangers to both military personnel and civilians. They often result in lifelong injuries, as many mines are designed to maim rather than kill, overwhelming an enemy’s medical and logistical capabilities. The International Committee of the Red Cross warns that anti-personnel mines leave a lasting legacy of suffering, complicating food production and destroying livelihoods for affected communities.
The U.S. is reportedly providing “non-persistent” anti-personnel mines, which become inert after a set time. However, the Red Cross argues that even these mines can still endanger civilians while active.
Are They Legal?
The 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, also known as the Ottawa Treaty, prohibits the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. While over 150 countries have signed the treaty, major powers like the U.S., Russia, and China have not. Ukraine is a signatory but has indicated a potential withdrawal due to military needs.
Previous Use of Landmines in Ukraine
Although the U.S. has supplied Ukraine with anti-tank mines, the decision to send anti-personnel mines represents a shift in military strategy. Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Russian forces have reportedly employed at least 13 types of anti-personnel mines, violating international law due to their unregulated use.
Additionally, a 2023 report from the International Campaign to Ban Landmines suggested that Ukrainian forces may have deployed anti-personnel mines in and around Izium while the city was under Russian control, contravening the anti-mine convention.
Credit: SKY News
