The United States has announced a $725 million military aid package for Ukraine, marking the first time in decades that Washington will export anti-personnel mines.
"The United States, along with more than 50 other nations, is working to ensure Ukraine has the resources it needs to defend itself against Russia," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on December 2 while unveiling the new aid package.
The package includes Stinger man-portable air defense missiles, ammunition for HIMARS rocket systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), anti-personnel mines, and other equipment, according to Blinken.
Historic Decision on Anti-Personnel Mines
Reuters reported that this is the first time in decades that the U.S. has exported anti-personnel mines, despite President Joe Biden's previous directive to limit their use. The additional aid underscores Biden's increased reliance on the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), a mechanism allowing the U.S. government to transfer weapons from existing stockpiles to partners in emergencies without requiring congressional approval.
Recent PDA aid announcements for Ukraine have typically ranged between $125 million and $250 million. President Biden is expected to exhaust the remaining $4-5 billion in PDA funds approved by Congress before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20, 2025.
President-elect Trump is anticipated to shift U.S. policy toward Ukraine, having criticized aid to Kyiv and pledged to quickly end the conflict there.
Key Features of the Anti-Personnel Mines
According to U.S. officials, the mines being sent to Ukraine are battery-operated and designed to self-deactivate once the batteries run out, minimizing long-term risks to civilians. Washington expects Kyiv to use these mines "within its territory and away from densely populated areas."
A U.S. official noted that the decision followed months of internal debate within the Biden administration. Some advisers expressed concerns about the long-term humanitarian risks and potential civilian casualties associated with deploying anti-personnel mines in Ukraine.
Proponents of the decision emphasized that providing anti-personnel mines is critical for slowing the advance of Russian forces, giving Ukrainian troops more time to fortify their defenses.
International Concerns
Human rights organizations and several countries have expressed alarm over the Biden administration's decision. They cited the potential for civilian casualties, the challenges of post-conflict mine clearance, and the risk of undermining global efforts to ban anti-personnel mines.
While the U.S. aims to ensure that these mines are used responsibly, critics warn that their deployment could complicate humanitarian conditions in Ukraine and weaken international norms against the use of such controversial weapons.
(According to Reuters)
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