Humanitarian Groups Condemn US Decision to Supply Landmines to Ukraine

The US government's decision to send anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict has sparked widespread condemnation from humanitarian organizations. Critics argue this move undermines the progress made under the Mine Ban Treaty and could lead to increased civilian casualties, as demining efforts may take years and be expensive. While US officials assert that these mines are "non-persistent" and will be used responsibly, concerns persist about the long-term implications of their deployment.

In a pivotal development in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the US government has faced backlash from humanitarian organizations following its decision to supply landmines. This controversial approval is perceived as a tactical measure to impede the advancement of Russian forces, who have been engaged in a sustained offensive in the northeastern region of Ukraine.

Human Rights Watch's director, Mary Wareham, characterized the US's action as a "shocking and devastating development," raising alarms for advocates dedicated to eliminating landmines globally. This sentiment was mirrored by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), which firmly denounced the US decision as "horrific" and inconsistent with the principles established by the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. Tamar Gabelnick, director of the ICBL, emphasized that, under the treaty, Ukraine, being a signatory, should not acquire or utilize these munitions.

While international law does not explicitly prohibit the use of landmines, the overwhelming consensus among over 160 nations that ratified the Mine Ban Treaty reflects the global commitment to restrict their deployment due to the indiscriminate harm they pose to civilian populations. Even though Ukraine had previously signalled limitations on its application of the treaty following Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014, the introduction of US-supplied landmines poses new challenges to humanitarian efforts.

As Russian forces continue to utilize landmines as defensive measures, the risks to Ukrainian civilians remain exceedingly high. A crucial concern raised by campaigners is the persistent threat these mines pose to non-combatants, remaining dormant but dangerous long after hostilities cease. The demining process can be extensive, arduous, and costly; the World Bank estimated that rehabilitating mined areas in Ukraine could cost approximately $37.4 billion.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin addressed the capability and intended usage of these landmines, asserting that they are designed to be safer than Ukrainian alternatives. He stated that the mines would become inactive after a certain period, facilitating more controlled deployment. Moreover, Austin expressed confidence that the Ukrainian military would apply due diligence in their placement.

In response to the US’s announcement, the Halo Trust—a leading charity in landmine clearance—expressed its deep concern regarding the potential escalation of landmine usage within Eastern Europe. This sentiment triggers alarms as Ukraine is now deemed "massively contaminated" with landmines—estimates suggest that up to 40% of the country is affected, with around two million landmines deployed since the onset of wide-scale conflict in February 2022.

This decision marks a significant policy shift, as it is made by the outgoing US administration while in stark contrast to previous statements by President Biden regarding landmine usage under the Trump administration. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba defended the US's actions as consistent with international law, yet he acknowledged the moral dilemmas posed to human rights advocates.

As the conflict progresses, the decision to supply landmines remains a contentious issue that highlights the balance between warfare tactics and humanitarian principles in a complex geopolitical landscape.