What's happened
The Biden administration has authorized the supply of nonpersistent antipersonnel landmines to Ukraine, aimed at countering Russian advances. This decision comes amid concerns over future U.S. support under President-elect Donald Trump, who has criticized aid to Ukraine.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the new policy reflects a shift in U.S. risk tolerance due to battlefield developments in Ukraine. Austin emphasized that the mines are intended to help Ukraine stall Russian advances, which have adapted to smaller ground units. Meanwhile, AP News highlights the historical context of U.S. landmine policy, noting that the U.S. has not signed the Ottawa Convention banning such weapons. Critics, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, express concerns about the humanitarian implications of deploying these mines, arguing that even nonpersistent variants pose risks to civilians. The Moscow Times adds that this decision follows President Biden's authorization for Ukraine to use long-range ATACMS missiles, indicating a broader strategy to enhance Ukraine's military capabilities before the transition to a potentially less supportive administration under Trump.
How we got here
The U.S. has historically opposed the use of landmines, but recent battlefield developments in Ukraine have prompted a policy shift. The decision follows Ukraine's effective use of drone warfare against Russian forces.
Common question
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What Are the Implications of the US Supplying Landmines to Ukraine?
The Biden administration's recent decision to supply nonpersistent antipersonnel landmines to Ukraine marks a significant shift in U.S. military policy. This move raises important questions about the impact on U.S.-Ukraine relations, the humanitarian implications of landmine use, and the broader context of military support amid changing political landscapes. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this controversial decision.
More on these topics
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Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization with its headquarters in the United Kingdom focused on human rights. The organization says it has more than eight million members and supporters around the world.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Human Rights Watch is an international non-governmental organization, headquartered in New York City, that conducts research and advocacy on human rights.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries.
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Lloyd James Austin III is a retired four-star general of the United States Army. He was the 12th commander of United States Central Command. Austin was the first Black commander to head the organization.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate