The recent decision to supply Ukraine with landmines has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the ongoing conflict in the region. The shift towards using anti-personnel landmines indicates the intensity of the infantry war being fought, with Russia deploying large numbers of soldiers, including North Korean troops, to make incremental gains in the east of Ukraine.
While the use of landmines is a controversial solution, the US Defense Department has defended their decision by stating that the mines being provided are designed to be “smarter” and less risky to civilians. These mines are “non-persistent”, meaning they become inactive after a certain period and require battery power to detonate.
The transition from the Biden administration to the Trump administration has made for an unsettling period for Ukraine, as they continue to face Russian aggression in the region. The supply of landmines is just one example of the challenges Ukraine is currently facing in this ongoing conflict.
Arms control groups have expressed dismay over the announcement, citing the risks posed to civilians by the use of landmines. However, officials argue that these mines are a necessary measure to slow Russia’s advance and protect Ukrainian troops on the battlefield.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the use of landmines will impact the conflict and whether it will lead to further escalations in the region. The deployment of North Korean soldiers alongside Russian forces adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.
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