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US Sends Anti-Personnel Mines to Ukraine to Counter Russian Advances.
In a significant strategic move as his term nears its end, President Joe Biden’s administration announced on November 20, 2024, the delivery of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine. This marks an important shift in U.S. military support for Kyiv. The decision, which follows recent U.S. authorization for Ukraine to strike Russian territory, reflects the adaptation to evolving Russian battlefield tactics and the challenges Ukrainian forces face as the war reaches its 1,000th day. The US has non-persistent mines like the M86, M74, M87A1, and M131, all with self-destruct features to reduce risks and support Ukraine's defenses.
The United States possesses several models of non-persistent mines, including the M86 PDM, M74, M87A1 WAM, and M131 MOPMS, all equipped with self-destruction mechanisms to minimize post-conflict risks and enhance operational flexibility, potentially meeting Ukraine's tactical needs (Picture source: US DoD)
The U.S. has opted to supply Ukraine with "non-persistent" anti-personnel mines, designed to deactivate automatically after a set period, thereby reducing post-conflict risks to civilians. While official reports have not specified the exact model, a few models appear to be probable candidates.
The United States possesses several models of non-persistent mines designed to automatically deactivate after a predefined period, reducing risks to civilians after conflicts. These mines meet modern humanitarian standards while providing effective operational capabilities against adversary forces. These devices include built-in self-destruction or deactivation mechanisms, ensuring they become inert once their operational duration expires.
The M86 Pursuit Deterrent Munition (PDM) is a fragmentation mine primarily used for limited tactical missions. Powered by an internal battery, it deactivates automatically when its energy limit is reached. Although designed for specific applications by special forces, its ability to create an effective denial zone makes it a theoretical candidate for use in Ukraine, even though large-scale deployment seems unlikely.
The M74 Anti-Personnel Mine, part of the ADAM (Area Denial Artillery Munition) system, is deployed via artillery. Equipped with a programmable self-destruction mechanism, it typically deactivates between 4 and 48 hours after activation. These mines are suited for blocking or slowing enemy movements over large areas while minimizing long-term risks to civilian populations.
Finally, systems like the M87A1 Wide Area Mine (WAM) and the M131 Modular Pack Mine System (MOPMS) enable rapid and remote deployment of both anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. These systems all include self-destruction mechanisms to reduce their post-conflict persistence. They provide enhanced operational flexibility, particularly in areas where significant enemy movements are anticipated. These systems, well-suited to Ukraine's current tactical needs, could be a preferred option to strengthen its defenses.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin defended the decision by pointing to changes in Russian military strategy. He noted that Russian forces, unable to succeed with mechanized units, are now relying on lighter ground forces to pave the way for armored divisions. Anti-personnel mines, in this context, are seen as an effective tool to slow such offensive maneuvers. While the U.S. has been supplying Ukraine with anti-tank mines since the beginning of the conflict in 2022, the introduction of anti-personnel mines represents a notable escalation in support, driven by the realities on the ground.
These "non-persistent" mines are specifically designed to deactivate after four hours to two weeks, depending on the battery's lifespan, reducing the risk of accidental civilian harm. However, humanitarian concerns persist, with organizations like Amnesty International and the Red Cross questioning their indiscriminate danger even during active periods.
On the battlefield, these mines are part of a broader strategy to halt Russian advances in strategic regions such as Donbas and reclaimed territories like the Kursk region. Military experts, including former British intelligence officer Philip Ingram, emphasize the potential effectiveness of such devices in countering Russian human wave tactics that rely on numerical superiority. Nonetheless, their use raises political and humanitarian questions, particularly regarding Ukraine’s commitments under the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of such weapons.
This decision comes as part of a series of recent announcements by the Biden administration, including the authorization of ATACMS long-range missiles for strikes on Russian territory. These moves occur in a politically charged environment, with President-elect Donald Trump set to take office in two months. Trump, a vocal critic of U.S. spending on Ukraine, has pledged to end the conflict swiftly, prompting the current administration to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities in its remaining time.
The conflict is also taking on an increasingly international dimension, with reports of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces. This has led the U.S. to intensify its military aid to Ukraine, including a $275 million package featuring HIMARS systems, 155mm and 105mm artillery munitions, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and other essential equipment.
The international community remains divided on these developments. Allies such as Norway have expressed concerns over the use of anti-personnel mines, while others, like the United Kingdom, appear to favor a more assertive approach, including the provision of Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine. France has maintained discretion regarding the involvement of its SCALP missiles in the conflict.
The decision to provide anti-personnel mines reflects the dynamic and challenging nature of the war in Ukraine. While these devices offer immediate tactical benefits, their long-term implications remain a topic of debate, highlighting the complex ethical and strategic dilemmas of modern warfare.