The United States’ decision to provide Ukraine with anti-personnel landmines has drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian organizations, who argue that the move undermines years of progress in eradicating these deadly weapons. The approval, seen as an effort to slow Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, comes as the war continues to escalate in the region.
Human Rights Watch Director Mary Wareham described the decision as a “shocking and devastating development,” particularly for those working to eliminate landmines. Her concerns were echoed by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), which condemned the move “in the strongest possible terms.” The ICBL’s Director, Tamar Gabelnick, reminded that anti-personnel mines were banned under the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, to which more than 160 countries are signatories, including Ukraine. She stressed that, under the treaty, Ukraine cannot legally acquire, stockpile, or use such weapons.
Although the use of landmines is not illegal under international law, more than 160 countries have signed the treaty banning their use, production, and stockpiling. Ukraine, as a signatory, has committed to these restrictions, making the US’s decision controversial. Wareham emphasized the progress made over the past 25 years in reducing landmine use and expressed disbelief that the US would now take such a step backward.
Landmines, which are often hidden underground or scattered across the ground, are designed to detonate when someone steps on them. These indiscriminate weapons pose a significant risk to civilians and can remain a threat long after a conflict ends. The demining process, which can take years, is costly and labor-intensive. According to the World Bank, clearing landmines in Ukraine could cost up to $37.4 billion.
The US Department of Defense defended its decision, with Secretary Lloyd Austin asserting that the mines provided would be “non-persistent,” meaning they lose their charge after a few days and become inactive. Austin emphasized that the mines would be used in less densely populated areas, and reassurances were sought to ensure their responsible deployment. He also noted that the mines would be safer than those Ukraine had been developing on its own.
The Halo Trust, the world’s largest landmine-clearing charity, expressed concern over the potential spread of landmine use in Eastern Europe. The charity revealed that Ukraine is now considered “massively contaminated” by landmines, with estimates suggesting up to 40% of the country is affected. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, more than two million landmines have been laid in Ukraine.
In response to the US decision, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba defended the use of landmines within the confines of international law but acknowledged the moral concerns raised by human rights defenders. He argued that Ukraine must be able to use all necessary means to defend itself against a “vicious enemy.”
This policy shift marks a significant change in the US’s stance, especially considering President Joe Biden’s previous criticism of former President Donald Trump’s decision to lift restrictions on landmine use. The provision of landmines to Ukraine is one of the final actions by the outgoing Biden administration before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
