Biden's late approval: Anti-personnel mines for Ukraine's defense
As "The Washington Post" revealed, President Joe Biden has approved the delivery of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine. This is intended to help the Ukrainians halt the advancing Russian offensive. "Mines are undeniably necessary for the Ukrainian army, but they should have been delivered long ago," says Col. (res.) Piotr Lewandowski.
"For me, this is an example of the ineptitude of the American administration. The decision was made when President Joe Biden's term ended, meaning there would be no need to explain anything. Biden decided the mines with a mindset: 'Now I can.' But these are still merely fig leaves," evaluates Col. (res.) Piotr Lewandowski participated in combat missions abroad and was a former commander of a military base in Redzikowo.
The decision to deliver anti-personnel mines to Ukraine was made concurrently with the U.S. granting permission for Ukrainians to attack targets deep within Russia using American-supplied weapons, reports "The Washington Post."
The newspaper emphasises that the Pentagon considers sending mines one of the most useful steps the Biden administration can take to help slow down Russia's attacks.
"Kyiv has been requesting them since Russia's invasion almost three years ago, and during that time, Kremlin forces have densely deployed anti-personnel mines on the front lines," it reads.
"Anti-personnel mines, HIMARS, or ATACMS systems should have been sent in the first year of the war. The Russians didn't have extensive logistics at the time, so the HIMARS could have been most effective at striking them, and the mines could have stopped their offensive," comments the military officer.
In his opinion, the decision now shows how certain red lines existed.
"In reality, they didn't exist. The red lines were built by the administration in Washington to avoid certain consequences of the actions it took. In the case of mines, there was fear, among other things, of pacifist voices who would say: 'After all, what an inhumane weapon'," says Col. (res.) Piotr Lewandowski.
He recalls that the Russians did not have such a dilemma.
"As they retreated, they mined everything they could. The biggest problem for Ukraine was the mined agricultural fields. Mines are undeniably necessary for the Ukrainian army. Their arsenal has run out or has significantly dwindled. However, the move is very late," argues the veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
According to "The Washington Post," the American leader's decision has already been criticized by arms control groups because these mines pose a danger to civilians. The newspaper reminds us that 164 countries worldwide have ratified the convention prohibiting the use of anti-personnel mines (the Ottawa Treaty). However, neither the U.S. nor Russia are parties to the convention. In the war ongoing since 2022, such mines are used by both Russia and Ukraine.
"I have repeatedly emphasised that the only chance for Ukraine is comprehensive deliveries of entire systems, creating new capabilities. And what new capabilities did Kyiv receive? Several dozen HIMARS and ATACMS launchers, which combined, only create tactical capabilities. If there were thousands of such equipment and it was used simultaneously, one could speak of at least operational capabilities. But Ukraine currently does not have them, and Russia has gained an advantage on the front," believes Col. (res.) Piotr Lewandowski.
