Anti-landmine groups criticise US for sending mines to Ukraine

Humanitarian organizations have strongly criticized the United States for its decision to send landmines to Ukraine as the conflict in eastern Europe continues. This move has sparked outrage from groups dedicated to the eradication of landmines, with many calling it a step backward in global efforts to protect civilians from these deadly weapons.

Mary Wareham, director of Human Rights Watch’s Arms Division, called the decision a “shocking and devastating development,” emphasizing the significant progress made over the last 25 years to eliminate anti-personnel mines worldwide. Speaking to the BBC, Wareham stressed that landmines are indiscriminate weapons that continue to pose a deadly threat to civilian populations long after conflicts end.

The US decision comes amid a shift in battlefield tactics by Russian forces, who have been making steady advances in eastern Ukraine. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin explained that Russia’s changed strategy—moving troops first rather than relying solely on mechanized forces—had prompted the decision to send landmines, aiming to slow down the Russian advance.

The move was also condemned by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), which issued a strong statement denouncing the US for supplying Ukraine with anti-personnel mines. Tamar Gabelnick, the ICBL’s director, pointed out that the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty prohibits the use of such mines, which are notorious for their devastating impact on civilian lives. While landmines are not illegal under international law, over 160 countries, including Ukraine, have signed the treaty, which aims to ban the use, production, and stockpiling of anti-personnel mines.

However, after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Ukraine informed its treaty partners that its adherence to the treaty would be limited in areas under Russian occupation. This has raised questions about the country’s stance on the use of landmines, particularly in light of its ongoing conflict with Russia.

Human Rights Watch’s Wareham further emphasized the danger posed by landmines, noting that the global effort to ban these weapons had made significant progress, and it was inconceivable that the US would reverse course. Anti-personnel landmines are designed to explode when triggered by pressure or proximity, often hidden underground or scattered on the surface. These weapons are known for their long-lasting effects, continuing to harm civilians long after the fighting has stopped.

While the US has already been providing Ukraine with anti-tank mines, which are more commonly used to target vehicles, the new decision to send anti-personnel landmines marks a significant escalation. These mines are easier to deploy and intended to slow down enemy ground forces. Human Rights Watch has previously reported that Ukraine used Soviet-era rocket-launched anti-personnel mines in Izyum, which was under Russian occupation in the summer of 2022.

The use of landmines by Russian forces has also been widespread, with the Russian military deploying them to both defend their positions and hinder Ukrainian advances. The humanitarian impact of landmines remains a major concern for aid organizations. Mines are particularly dangerous to civilians, often causing death or severe injury to those who encounter them. Additionally, the long and costly process of demining after a conflict can take years. According to the World Bank, clearing landmines in Ukraine could cost as much as $37.4 billion.

In response to the US decision, Austin said that reassurances were sought to ensure the mines would be used strategically, away from civilian areas. The US has reportedly supplied Ukraine with what it calls “non-persistent” landmines, which are designed to lose their charge after a few days, making them less likely to detonate accidentally.

The Halo Trust, a leading organization in landmine clearance, has warned that the increased use of landmines in Ukraine could have far-reaching consequences for the region. The charity reported that Ukraine is now “massively contaminated” by landmines, with some estimates suggesting that up to 40% of the country could be affected. Since the start of the full-scale war in 2022, over two million landmines have been laid across the country.

Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, have defended the US decision, stating that the use of landmines is within international law. Kuleba acknowledged the moral concerns raised by human rights groups but argued that Ukraine is engaged in a desperate fight against a ruthless enemy and must use all available resources to defend itself.

The decision to supply landmines marks a significant shift in US policy and comes just before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Trump had previously been criticized for lifting restrictions on the use of landmines during his presidency. With this latest move, the Biden administration has reversed its stance, which had previously emphasized the importance of maintaining the Mine Ban Treaty’s framework.

As the war continues, the debate over the use of landmines highlights the complex ethical and legal challenges faced by countries in conflict. While the immediate military advantages of landmines are clear, the long-term humanitarian costs remain a significant concern.