President Biden approved the shipment of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine late Tuesday, marking a shift in policy and further escalating the conflict with Russia just ahead of President-elect Trump’s inauguration. Ukrainian officials have reportedly assured that these mines will only be used within Ukrainian territory and away from densely populated areas. The U.S. had previously refrained from supplying anti-personnel mines due to their long-lasting presence post-conflict, which can lead to civilian casualties.
However, the U.S. has reportedly implemented measures to mitigate such risks. The mines being sent to Ukraine are equipped with an electric fuse powered by a battery, which usually depletes within hours or weeks, rendering the mines inactive, as reported by CBS News. Biden’s approval coincided with Ukraine’s use of American-made ATACMs in a strike on Russian territory, a capability that Biden had restricted until last week.
Allies of President-elect Trump have criticized the Biden administration for allowing Ukraine to escalate its conflict with Russia in the final months before Trump takes office. Donald Trump Jr. expressed his concerns on social media, stating, “The Military Industrial Complex seems to want to make sure they get World War 3 going before my father has a chance to create peace and save lives. Gotta lock in those $Trillions. Life be damned!!! Imbeciles!”
A senior U.S. official indicated that Biden’s decision was influenced by Russia’s invitation to 10,000 North Korean soldiers to join the fight against Ukraine in Kursk. Another official mentioned to Fox News that it remains uncertain whether Biden intends to approve missile usage outside the Kursk area.
In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin updated Russia’s nuclear weapons use policies. The White House National Security Council downplayed this reaction, stating, “As we mentioned earlier this month, we were not surprised by Russia’s announcement regarding its nuclear doctrine; they had been signaling their intent to make updates for several weeks.
Observing no changes in Russia’s nuclear posture, we see no reason to alter our own nuclear stance or doctrine in light of Russia’s statements today.” The NSC spokesperson added that Russia’s use of North Korean soldiers in combat operations against Ukraine represents a significant escalation in its war against Ukraine and warned that the U.S. would respond accordingly.
This announcement followed the authorization from Great Britain and France for Ukraine to conduct SCALP/Storm Shadow missile strikes, according to the French newspaper Le Figaro. Putin has previously stated that allowing Ukraine to use missiles would effectively mean that the U.S. and NATO are “in the war.”
