Faustine Vincent and Chloé Hoorman (Le Monde)
Published on November 21, 2024 at 11:18. / Modified on November 21, 2024 at 11:21.
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Washington authorized the supply of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine
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kyiv believes that these mines are essential to “stop Russian assaults” in the east of the country.
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The decision provokes indignation from international organizations who denounce a “terrible” measure and fear a “catastrophic” impact for civilians.
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Ukraine is the most mined country in the world: 23% of its territory is polluted by landmines and unexploded ordnance.
This is Joe Biden’s second major strategic turnaround in a few days, but this one is proving more controversial, with considerable humanitarian and economic consequences for the Ukrainians. The American president has authorized the supply of antipersonnel mines to Ukraine to help it slow down the Russian advance, American Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Wednesday, November 20. Three days earlier, Joe Biden had authorized kyiv to strike Russia in depth with long-range American missiles, the ATACMS.
Washington justifies its decision on antipersonnel mines by a change in tactics on the part of the Russians. According to Lloyd Austin, “their mechanized forces are no longer in the lead. They advance on foot in order to approach and carry out actions to open the way for the mechanized forces. Ukraine therefore “needs means that can help slow down this effort,” he explained.
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