The United States is preparing to supply Ukraine with antipersonnel land mines as part of ongoing efforts to bolster its defenses against advancing Russian forces. A U.S. official disclosed the decision late Tuesday, marking another significant move by the Biden administration to support Ukraine’s war effort during the final months of President Joe Biden’s tenure.
This development comes as Ukraine faces mounting challenges on the battlefield, with Russia gaining ground and discussions of potential peace negotiations intensifying. The Biden administration’s decision underscores a commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s position as it navigates a critical juncture in the conflict.
The land mines in question are categorized as “non-persistent,” designed to become inert after a set period when their battery power is depleted. This feature aims to mitigate the risks these weapons pose to civilians.
According to the U.S. official, Washington has secured assurances from Ukraine that these mines will only be deployed within its territory and in non-populated areas, further minimizing potential harm to civilian populations.
The provision of these mines aligns with Biden’s broader strategy to equip Ukraine with the tools necessary to defend its sovereignty. The move follows a significant decision on Sunday, when the U.S. authorized Ukraine to use American-supplied long-range missiles to strike targets within Russian territory—a first in the nearly three-year conflict.
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As the war approaches the 1,000-day mark, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made urgent appeals for continued U.S. assistance. In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Zelensky warned of dire consequences should American military funding cease.
“If [the United States cuts aid], we will—I think we will lose,” Zelensky stated, emphasizing the critical role of U.S. support in sustaining Ukraine’s resistance. While he reaffirmed Ukraine’s determination to fight, Zelensky noted that domestic production alone would not suffice to ensure victory or survival.
The urgency of U.S. aid is heightened by the impending transition of power in Washington. President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office in January, has expressed skepticism about the billions of dollars in assistance provided to Ukraine under the Biden administration.
Trump has repeatedly pledged to end the war quickly but has yet to provide concrete details on how he plans to achieve this. His ambiguous stance on Ukraine has raised concerns in Kyiv about a potential shift in U.S. policy that could leave the country vulnerable to further Russian aggression.
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Russia, meanwhile, has reacted strongly to Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, launched for the first time on Tuesday. President Vladimir Putin has issued warnings of retaliation, even hinting at a possible nuclear response. These threats underscore the high stakes of the conflict as both sides continue to escalate their military capabilities.
Ukraine faces a precarious future as it balances its military needs with growing international pressures for a negotiated settlement. While Biden’s decisions aim to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses and maintain its strategic position, the clock is ticking on his administration.
For Ukraine, the continuation of U.S. support is paramount, especially as it approaches a potential disadvantage in peace negotiations. The provision of antipersonnel land mines and long-range missiles represents a calculated effort to maintain leverage against Russia’s advancing forces.
However, with the impending change in U.S. leadership and Trump’s unpredictable foreign policy approach, Ukraine’s reliance on American aid faces uncertainty. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Ukraine can sustain its defense and secure a favorable outcome in its fight for sovereignty.
As the conflict evolves, global attention remains fixed on Washington’s role in shaping the future of this war—a role that could either reinforce Ukraine’s resistance or leave it vulnerable to compromise.
AFP