The publication notes that this decision is part of a set of urgent measures the White House is taking to support Ukraine in its "weak military actions." The anti-personnel mines are intended to be supplied with the condition that they will be used on internationally recognized Ukrainian territory and are meant to assist the Ukrainian army in holding back Russian occupiers in the eastern part of the country.
One of the sources told journalists that Ukrainian authorities have committed not to deploy such mines in densely populated areas, and the munitions themselves are reportedly designed to self-destruct or deactivate after a certain period, which reduces the risk to civilians.
The Washington Post reports that previously the U.S. supplied Ukraine with another type of anti-personnel mine – the Claymore, which is set above the surface and activated by an operator, making it less dangerous for civilians and permitted under international treaties.
Biden's decision has faced criticism from some U.S. military and political figures. However, the Pentagon believes that providing the mines is "one of the most beneficial steps" the Biden administration can take, according to sources speaking to journalists.
Russia, which is waging a full-scale war against Ukraine, has long been using anti-personnel mines on the battlefield, one of them stated.
The American publication emphasizes that neither Russia nor the U.S. is among the 164 participants of the Ottawa Convention, also known as the Mine Ban Treaty, which prohibits the use and transfer of anti-personnel mines.
The war in Ukraine could lead to several countries withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention, The Washington Post notes. In particular, this concerns Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, which are interested in strengthening their defenses against Russia, including with anti-personnel mines.
The human rights organization Human Rights Watch has already stated that the provision of anti-personnel mines is a "shocking" event, as they pose a danger to civilians.
Information about supplying Ukraine with anti-personnel mines has emerged amid reports of Biden's decision to lift some restrictions on the use of Western weapons by Ukraine on Russian territory.