(DailyVantage.com) – President Joe Biden has approved the delivery of U.S.-made anti-personnel mines to Ukraine, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy amid the ongoing war with Russia. The decision comes just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration and follows Ukraine’s recent use of American-made long-range missiles on Russian territory—actions Biden had previously prohibited.
The mines, which feature safety mechanisms to minimize civilian harm, operate using an electric fuse powered by a battery. Once the battery dies—typically within hours to weeks—the mines deactivate, reducing their long-term risk. However, anti-personnel mines remain highly controversial due to their potential dangers to civilians even after conflicts have ended.
Ukraine has reportedly assured the U.S. that the mines will be deployed exclusively within its own borders and away from populated areas. Despite these assurances, the decision has sparked backlash, particularly from allies of Trump. Donald Trump Jr. criticized the move on social media, claiming, “The Military Industrial Complex wants World War III before my father can create peace. Life be damned. Imbeciles!”
This policy shift aligns with increasing Western military support for Ukraine, following decisions by the U.K. and France to authorize Ukraine’s use of SCALP and Storm Shadow missiles against Russian forces. Meanwhile, reports of Russia inviting 10,000 North Korean soldiers to join its fight in Ukraine’s Kursk region have escalated tensions, with U.S. officials labeling the development a dangerous provocation.
Russia has responded by updating its nuclear weapons doctrine, a move that has drawn criticism from the international community. The White House National Security Council, however, downplayed this escalation, calling it “irresponsible rhetoric” and stating there is no need for the U.S. to adjust its nuclear posture.
Biden’s decision to provide mines is part of a broader pattern of increasing military aid to Ukraine. Critics argue that such measures risk escalating the conflict further, potentially drawing NATO and the U.S. deeper into the war. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that these actions effectively place the U.S. and NATO as active participants in the conflict.
As the war approaches its second anniversary, Biden’s actions underscore the fragile state of global diplomacy. Whether these efforts will bolster Ukraine’s defense or further inflame tensions remains uncertain. For now, the world watches as both sides dig deeper into an increasingly volatile conflict.
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