Biden makes another Ukraine policy shift with approval of sending anti-personnel mines
President Biden has made a significant decision to send anti-personnel mines to Ukraine, marking a shift in policy and escalating tensions with Russia just before President-elect Trump’s inauguration. This move comes after Ukrainian officials assured that the mines would only be deployed within Ukrainian territory and away from major population centers. The U.S. had previously refrained from sending anti-personnel mines due to their long-lasting effects and potential harm to civilians.
To address concerns about civilian casualties, the U.S. has taken precautions with the mines being delivered to Ukraine. These mines operate on an electric fuse that relies on a battery, which eventually becomes inoperative after a few hours or weeks, according to CBS News. Additionally, Ukrainian forces recently used American-made ATACMs in a strike on Russian soil, a decision that was prohibited until last week.
However, allies of President-elect Trump have criticized the Biden administration for approving Ukraine’s escalation in the conflict with Russia. Donald Trump Jr. took to social media to express his concerns about the Military Industrial Complex pushing for a potential World War 3 before his father has a chance to create peace. The approval for sending anti-personnel mines to Ukraine comes amidst reports of Russian involvement, including the deployment of North Korean soldiers in the fight against Ukraine in Kursk.
In response to Russia’s actions, President Putin updated Russia’s nuclear weapon use doctrines. The White House National Security Council downplayed this reaction, stating that they were not surprised by Russia’s decision and saw no reason to adjust their own nuclear posture in response. The situation remains tense as Ukraine has been authorized to launch SCALP/Storm Shadow missile strikes by Great Britain and France, further escalating the conflict.
President Putin has warned that giving Ukraine the green light on missile use would bring the U.S. and NATO into the war. As tensions continue to rise, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days. The approval for sending anti-personnel mines to Ukraine demonstrates a significant shift in U.S. policy towards the conflict with Russia, setting the stage for a potentially volatile situation in the region.
