Humanitarian Outcry as US Supplies Landmines to Ukraine

With accusations of human rights violations and global treaty breaches, international humanitarian groups are criticizing the US for supplying landmines to Ukraine as the conflict with Russia continues, highlighting the potential dangers for civilians and efforts in demining.

The United States is facing backlash from humanitarian organizations following its approval to supply Ukraine with anti-personnel landmines as the conflict with Russia intensifies. This controversial decision, perceived as a strategy to halt advancing Russian troops, has ignited fierce criticism from groups such as Human Rights Watch and the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL).

Mary Wareham, director of Human Rights Watch, described the move as a "shocking and devastating development," highlighting the setbacks it could cause for decades of progress in eradicating such weapons. The ICBL’s director, Tamar Gabelnick, condemned the decision, referencing the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, which prohibits the use of these indiscriminate weapons due to their devastating effects on civilian populations.

Although the deployment of landmines is not illegal under international law, it raises serious ethical concerns since Ukraine is a signatory of the treaty. Historically, the Ukrainian government had indicated that its adherence to the treaty would be limited in areas under Russian occupation, a stance dating back to the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Landmines are designed to explode when stepped on or approached, posing a considerable risk to civilians, especially in a post-conflict scenario where demining can take years and substantial financial resources. According to a World Bank report, the cost to clear landmines in Ukraine could exceed $37.4 billion.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has stated the expectation that the mines will be used safely, away from densely populated areas, and assured that the US's own non-persistent mines would be safer than those potentially developed by Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of responsible use and recording the locations of deployed mines to mitigate civilian risks.

In light of these developments, the Halo Trust, an organization dedicated to mine clearance, warned of the “clear and present danger” posed by the proliferation of landmines in Eastern Europe, noting that Ukraine is now classified as “massively contaminated” with mines. Recent estimates suggest over two million mines have been deployed since the invasion began in early 2022, affecting as much as 40% of the country.

The US decision, marking a significant policy shift from the Biden administration, comes as the outgoing government looks to fortify Ukraine’s military capabilities before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. Contrastingly, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has defended the US action, arguing it falls within international law, although he acknowledged its “moral ramifications” for defenders of human rights. He asserted that Ukraine must have access to all available resources to fend off Russian aggression.