Introduction

The United States is facing severe backlash from humanitarian organizations after announcing plans to provide Ukraine with anti-personnel landmines, a decision that has raised alarm bells amidst the ongoing war in Eastern Europe.

Reactions to the Decision

Mary Wareham, director of Human Rights Watch, referred to the move as a “shocking and devastating development,” particularly for those fighting to eradicate the use of landmines globally. The US decision aims to counter advancing Russian troops, which have been increasingly aggressive in the eastern regions of Ukraine.

Rationale Behind the Supply

Explaining the rationale behind this controversial choice, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin noted that changing Russian tactics—specifically the increased use of infantry rather than mechanized units—prompted the supply of these explosive devices. However, this explanation has done little to quell the growing outrage among international observers.

International Condemnation

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) also condemned the US's decision, emphasizing that these indiscriminate weapons were prohibited under the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, which prohibits the production and use of anti-personnel mines due to their devastating impact on civilian populations. Tamar Gabelnick, ICBL’s director, stated, “There are no circumstances under which Ukraine, as a state party, may acquire, stockpile, or use them.”

Legal Context

While the use of landmines is not illegal under international law, more than 160 countries—including Ukraine—have signed the Mine Ban Treaty. Following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Ukraine indicated to other treaty signatories that its enforcement of the treaty in occupied areas would be limited.

Human Rights Progress at Risk

Human Rights Watch highlighted the significant progress made over the last 25 years in reducing landmine usage, and Wareham expressed disbelief at the United States’ decision to reverse this trend. “So much progress has been made over the past 25 years under the framework provided by the international treaty banning landmines,” she stressed.

Impacts of Anti-Personnel Landmines

Anti-personnel landmines, which detonate when individuals step on or near them, pose significant risks to civilian life. While the US has previously supplied anti-tank mines to Ukraine, the addition of anti-personnel mines is viewed as a sharp escalation, designed to halt the advance of Russian ground forces.

Historical Usage of Landmines in Ukraine

Reports highlight that Ukrainian forces have already utilized Soviet-era rocket-launched anti-personnel mines around areas such as Izyum, occupied by Russia last summer. Moreover, Russian forces have also widely employed landmines since the onset of their full-scale invasion in February 2022, both to secure their positions and impede Ukrainian forces.

Humanitarian Considerations

The humanitarian implications of landmines extend beyond immediate casualties; the demining process post-conflict is a lengthy and expensive endeavor. According to the World Bank, clearing landmines in Ukraine could cost as much as $37.4 billion.

US Assurance on Use of Landmines

With ongoing military operations unfolding, Secretary Austin has assured that the US is taking measures to ensure the responsible use of the landmines. He mentioned that the devices, expected to arrive imminently, would be deployed in less populated areas to mitigate civilian risk, and characterized US-supplied mines as “non-persistent,” meaning they will lose their explosive capability after a short period.

Conclusion

As the situation in Ukraine evolves, the ramifications of this decision will continue to be closely watched both domestically and internationally, with significant concerns surrounding the protection of civilian lives at the forefront of this heated debate.