Biden Admin Reverses Policy, Approves Anti-Personnel Mines for Ukraine

The Pentagon said the administration has approved transfers of non-persistent landmines, ‘which become inert after a preset period of time.’

Ukrainian soldiers preparing to place anti-tank landmines and non-explosive obstacles along the front line near Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region, Ukraine, on Oct. 30, 2024. Oleg Petrasiuk/Ukrainian 24th Mechanised Brigade via AP

President Joe Biden’s administration has granted permission for the use of anti-personnel landmines in Ukraine, marking a policy shift just weeks before Biden leaves office.

The United States has provided Ukraine with anti-tank mines throughout its war with Russia but has opposed the use of smaller anti-personnel devices.