Humanitarian Organizations Condemn US Decision to Send Landmines to Ukraine

Humanitarian organizations have voiced criticism against the United States following its decision to provide Ukraine with landmines amidst the ongoing conflict in eastern Europe. Mary Wareham, director of Human Rights Watch, stated in a BBC interview that this decision represents a “shocking and devastating development” for individuals dedicated to eliminating anti-personnel landmines. This authorization from Washington aims to impede the progress of Russian forces, which have been consistently moving into eastern Ukraine over recent months. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin explained that the choice was made due to Russia’s altered battlefield tactics, specifically its strategy of deploying troops initially rather than “mechanised forces.” The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) reiterated Ms. Wareham’s position, denouncing the US decision “in the strongest possible terms.” Tamar Gabelnick, director of the ICBL, further stated that “These horrific, indiscriminate weapons were banned by the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty given the devastating impact they have on civilians’ lives and livelihoods.” She also noted that, according to the treaty, “there are no circumstances under which Ukraine as a state party may acquire, stockpile or use them.” While the deployment of landmines is not prohibited by international law, over 160 countries have ratified the Mine Ban Treaty, which mandates the prohibition of the production, deployment, and storage of anti-personnel mines. Ukraine is among the signatories to this treaty. Nevertheless, following Russia’s unlawful annexation of Crimea in 2014, Ukraine communicated to other signatories that its adherence to the treaty in occupied territories would be “limited and is not guaranteed.” Ms. Wareham of Human Rights Watch commented, “So much progress has been made over the past 25 years under the framework provided by the international treaty banning landmines. So it’s just inconceivable that the US would take this step.” Anti-personnel landmines are explosive devices frequently hidden on the ground, engineered to detonate upon proximity or direct contact by individuals. Washington has previously supplied anti-tank mines to Ukraine; however, the anti-personnel landmines, which can be deployed quickly, are intended to impede the progress of ground troops. Human Rights Watch had previously reported that Ukraine repeatedly employed Soviet-made rocket-launched anti-personnel mines in and near the city of Izyum during the summer of 2022, while it was under Russian occupation. Russian forces have extensively utilized landmines throughout Ukraine; since initiating its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has deployed these devices to both fortify its positions and hinder Ukrainian advances. A primary concern for campaigners regarding landmines is the indiscriminate threat these weapons pose to civilians, whether buried or scattered on the surface. An additional challenge is the post-conflict demining process, as clearing mined land can be a protracted endeavor. This operation is also expensive, with the World Bank estimating last year that demining Ukraine would incur costs of $37.4 billion (£29.6 billion). Austin stated that the US had requested assurances regarding the intended deployment of the mines. Washington anticipates that these mines, which officials indicate will be delivered shortly, will be utilized within Ukrainian territory, specifically avoiding densely populated regions. Mr. Austin mentioned that the American-supplied devices would offer greater safety compared to those Ukraine was developing independently, as the US mines are categorized as “non-persistent,” implying they deactivate and become unable to detonate after a few days. Responding to Wednesday’s announcement from Washington, the Halo Trust, recognized as the world’s largest landmine clearing charity, declared: “The potential for further contagion of the use of anti-personnel (AP) landmines in eastern Europe is a clear and present danger.” In its statement, the Halo Trust indicated that Ukraine has been reclassified this month as “massively contaminated” with landmines, with some of the charity’s assessments suggesting their presence in up to 40% of the nation. The Halo Trust further reported, based on its estimations, that over two million landmines have been deployed in Ukraine since the commencement of the full-scale conflict in 2022. This supply of anti-personnel landmines represents the most recent action by the outgoing US administration aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities prior to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. This marks a significant policy change for Joe Biden, who had previously labeled Trump “reckless” for removing long-standing US limitations on mine usage during his prior term in the White House. Earlier, Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s foreign minister, defended the US stance, asserting its legality under international law, but acknowledged “moral ramifications for human rights defenders, and I totally get them.” He concluded by stating, “But we’re fighting a war against a vicious enemy and we must have the right to use everything we need within the realm of international law to defend ourselves.”