Biden Approves Anti-Personnel Mines for Ukraine

President Biden has approved the provision of anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine, marking a significant policy shift from his previous stance that limited their use. This decision, reported by The Washington Post, is aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defenses against potential Russian advances, and the mines are to be deployed only in areas recognized by Washington as part of Ukraine. Notably, this move contravenes the Mine Ban Treaty, which neither the U.S. nor Russia has signed, and raises concerns given the reported 5,700 landmine-related casualties worldwide last year. Critics, including the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, have condemned the use of anti-personnel mines under any circumstances. The Biden administration previously criticized the Trump-era decision to lift restrictions on these weapons. Ukraine has reportedly committed to not using the mines in densely populated areas.