Policy Shift and Rationale
The administration has authorized the supply of American antipersonnel mines to , reversing previous policy and aiming to bolster Ukraine's defenses against Russian advances in the east.
This decision is driven by 's tactical shift towards utilizing foot soldiers, making antipersonnel mines a strategic tool for Ukraine to slow down Russian efforts on the battlefield.
International Reactions and Implications
The move has sparked criticism from human rights groups concerned about the civilian impact and the legacy of mines long after conflicts end, highlighting the controversial nature of land mines.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions, with the US closing embassies in Kyiv due to fears of a significant Russian attack, and Russia formalizing a new doctrine lowering the threshold for nuclear weapon use.