U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has confirmed that Ukraine will receive anti-personnel mines. According to him, this decision is driven by a shift in Russia's tactics along the front lines.
This was reported by CNN.
The U.S. is preparing to deliver a new aid package to Ukraine worth $275 million – APThe U.S. will allocate a new military aid package to Ukraine of at least $275 million, which will include long-range missiles and air defense systems."Since the Russians have not achieved success in their military operations, they have slightly altered their tactics. They are no longer advancing with mechanized forces. They are moving with infantry units that can get close and pave the way for mechanized forces,” Austin explained.
Therefore, he added, Ukrainian soldiers need weapons that can help slow down these efforts.
The U.S. expects Ukraine to use anti-personnel mines to strengthen defensive lines on its territory, rather than as an offensive capability against Russia. The U.S. has also received assurances that Ukraine will minimize risks to civilians when using these mines.
Recall that earlier, the Washington Post reported that U.S. President Joe Biden approved the supply of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine. This marks a radical change in his own policy.
From the infographic by “Slovo i Delo,” one can learn how many civilians worldwide were killed by anti-personnel mines in 2022.
Previously, the U.S. provided Ukraine with cluster munitions, which are banned by international humanitarian law. Not all allies supported providing this type of military aid; more about their position can be found in the infographic.