War in Ukraine: “A disastrous decision…” why the delivery of American antipersonnel mines worries the international community

The announcement was first made by the American media this Wednesday, December 20. The United States will provide Ukraine with antipersonnel mines to strengthen its defenses against the Russian invasion, a senior American official confirmed to AFP. This decision comes after the green light given on Sunday by President Joe Biden to Ukraine for the use against Russian territory of long-range missiles supplied by the United States.

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What kind of mine is this?

The “Claymore” mines that will be delivered are called “non-persistent”. Triggered by an operator, they are equipped with a self-destruct or self-deactivation device. The United States has already supplied this model of antipersonnel mine to Ukraine, the operation of which is compatible with the mine ban conventions.

What will they be used for?

Questioned by the Washington Post, a senior American official indicated, on condition of anonymity, that these antipersonnel mines “are used in conjunction with the other munitions that we already provide to Ukraine, the objective is that they contribute to a more effective defense. President Joe Biden has long been opposed to the provision of these mines which can cause heavy civilian casualties.

How does Moscow react?

Russia accuses the United States of doing nothing to stop the war by increasing its arms deliveries to kyiv. “They are fully committed to prolonging the war in Ukraine and are doing everything they can to this end,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded on Wednesday.

Windy associations

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) denounced a “disastrous” decision by the United States. “Ukraine must make it clear that it cannot and will not accept these weapons,” the organization wrote in a statement. Coincidentally with the calendar, the Landmine Monitor published its annual report this Wednesday which warns of a global increase in the number of victims.