Joe Biden has authorized the supply of self-destructing anti-personnel mines to Ukraine.

The President of the United States, Joe Biden, has approved the transfer of American anti-personnel mines to Ukraine to strengthen its defense against the advancing Russian occupiers. This was reported by The Washington Post citing U.S. officials.

It is noted that the Joe Biden administration is "deeply concerned" about the recent assaults by Russia on the front lines in Ukraine and sees an urgent need to blunt the progress of the occupiers. The Pentagon believes that mines are one of the most effective measures the U.S. can take at this time.

The type of anti-personnel mines that Ukraine will receive is referred to as "unreliable," as the mines self-destruct or lose battery power within days or weeks, thereby reducing the danger to civilians.

The publication highlights that Washington was hesitant to provide Ukraine with anti-personnel mines earlier due to the "unacceptably high risk to civilian populations." Concerns have been expressed both within the U.S. White House and by arms control organizations.

A Ukrainian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, welcomed the U.S. decision, stating, "Russia will use them anyway."

Sources from the publication emphasized that the Ukrainian side has committed not to deploy these mines in densely populated areas.

"Russia is attacking Ukrainian positions in the east with waves of troops, disregarding the losses they incur. Consequently, the Ukrainians will obviously suffer casualties, and more cities and towns are at risk of falling. These mines were specifically designed to combat this. When used in conjunction with other munitions we are already supplying to Ukraine, they are expected to contribute to a more effective defense," said the official.

According to the official, the use of mines will be restricted to Ukrainian territory. They will likely be employed in the eastern part of the country, as the occupiers have made significant advances particularly in the Donetsk region, demonstrating rapid territorial gains. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have struggled to establish strong defensive lines in the face of drone attacks and small assault groups from Russia.

It is worth noting that on November 17, information emerged that Joe Biden had authorized Ukraine to employ American long-range missiles, known as ATACMS, to strike Russian and North Korean forces. The weapons will be used, in particular, to protect Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region of western Russia. However, the White House has declined to comment on the situation.

France and Britain, following the news of Ukraine being allowed to strike Russia with Storm Shadow missiles, also remain silent on the matter.