Introduction

In a significant shift in military support, US President Joe Biden has approved the supply of anti-personnel land mines to Ukraine, according to a US defense official. This decision is aimed at countering the relentless advances of Russian troops in eastern Ukraine, which have escalated in recent months.

Details of the Decision

The official, who requested anonymity, revealed that the mines are scheduled for prompt delivery and are intended for use within Ukrainian territory. Ukraine has made a commitment to refrain from deploying these mines in densely populated areas, as both sides continue to grapple with the changing dynamics of warfare.

Embassy Closures

In a separate development, the US State Department announced the temporary closure of its embassy in Kyiv due to credible threats of a substantial air strike on November 20. In a cautionary statement, the embassy urged American citizens in Ukraine to be prepared for immediate shelter in the event of an air raid alert. Following suit, both the Italian and Greek embassies have also chosen to close.

Psychological Operations

In light of these developments, Ukraine's defense intelligence has accused Russia of disseminating warnings of large-scale missile assaults as part of a psychological operation against Ukraine. They have advised citizens to rely solely on official sources for information and not to ignore air raid signals.

Surge in Drone Attacks

Recent reports indicate that drone attacks have surged on both Ukrainian and Russian territories, although details regarding possible casualties remain unclear. The introduction of anti-personnel mines is expected to bolster Ukraine's defenses against Russian forces, which often employ swift tactics involving small squads to infiltrate Ukrainian positions.

Urgent Defense Needs

Ukrainian analysts have noted the frequency of these incursions, particularly in besieged areas like Chasiv Yar and Kurakhove, where enemy squads can be deployed every 20 minutes, significantly taxing Ukrainian defenses. Serhiy Kuzan from the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre highlighted the urgent need for more anti-personnel mines to address this challenge.

Combat Shifts to Rural Regions

Much of the ongoing combat has shifted to rural regions in the Donbas, characterized by dense woodlands interspersed with vast agricultural lands. With a large portion of the civilian population already evacuated, Ukrainian officials argue that deploying 'non-persistent' mines carries minimal risks to civilians while being crucial for halting Russian progress.

Russia’s Use of Landmines

Since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has extensively utilized landmines, despite international objections regarding their potential danger to civilian populations. The Biden administration had hesitated to authorize the use of these weapons until recently, with the understanding that Ukraine would employ only mines that become inactive after a short duration.

Differences in Mine Design

Unlike Russia's mines, which pose long-term risks, the US 'non-persistent' mines are designed to be safe, becoming inert after a designated period (ranging from four hours to two weeks). These electrically fused mines rely on battery power to detonate; once the battery is depleted, they cannot be activated.

Additional US Military Support

Additionally, the US has supplied Ukraine with anti-tank mines, but the anti-personnel variants are particularly effective for quickly fortifying defense lines. Neither Russia nor the US has signed the Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use and transfer of anti-personnel landmines. However, Ukraine is a signatory, and unfortunately, over 20% of its territory is reported to be contaminated by mines due to the ongoing conflict.

Confirming Missile Strikes

In related news, US-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (Atacms) missiles were confirmed to have targeted sites within Russia shortly after the White House allowed their usage. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that missiles hit the Bryansk region near Ukraine, with conflicting accounts regarding their interception by Russian defense systems.

International Reactions

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has condemned Washington’s actions, claiming they exacerbate the conflict. In response to these escalating tensions, President Vladimir Putin has adjusted Russia’s nuclear doctrine, indicating that an attack supported by a nuclear power will be regarded as a joint assault against Russia.

Conclusion and Ongoing Developments

In a statement, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller criticized Russia for its reckless nuclear posturing and behavior, emphasizing the need for global stability and security as the conflict intensifies. Stay informed as this critical situation unfolds, with implications reverberating far beyond the borders of Ukraine.