Reports indicate the White House is sending anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine.
Germany’s Foreign Ministry has voiced its disapproval of Ukraine’s planned use of anti-personnel landmines against Russia. These mines are prohibited under the 1997 Ottawa Convention and were reportedly supplied by the US.
In a Friday press briefing, a ministry deputy spokesman, Christian Wagner, initially deflected a question on Ukraine’s landmine use, highlighting Russia’s extensive employment of such weapons.
However, pressed further – and noting Russia’s non-participation in the Ottawa Convention, unlike Ukraine – Wagner stated Germany regretted Ukraine’s decision.
“It is also regrettable that Ukraine feels compelled to take such a step,” he stated.
Wagner confirmed Germany’s adherence to the treaty but didn’t specify if Berlin would communicate its concerns to Kiev.
Over 160 countries have signed the 1997 Ottawa Treaty, prohibiting the production and transfer of anti-personnel mines. As a signatory, Ukraine’s acceptance and use of these US-supplied weapons would violate its international obligations.
Washington’s decision to supply Ukraine with these landmines has drawn condemnation from several Western human rights organizations. Hichem Khadhraoui of the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) highlighted the long-term civilian danger posed by these weapons.
Ben Linden of Amnesty International USA called Washington’s decision “devastating” and “shocking.” This action follows recent Russian battlefield gains.
This isn’t the first instance of the Biden administration providing Ukraine with internationally banned weaponry. In 2023, cluster munitions were supplied, despite over 110 nations banning them under the 2008 UN Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) due to the significant civilian risk.
The earlier decision faced criticism from the UK, Canada, Germany, and other NATO and non-NATO countries.