Germany criticizes US‑approved mines in Ukraine conflict
The German Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret over Ukraine's decision to use anti-personnel mines in defence against Russian attacks. This statement came after US President Joe Biden approved the delivery of these mines to Kyiv.
A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry, as quoted by Reuters, stated that Ukraine regrettably felt compelled to take such steps in the face of an ongoing war.
Germany and Ukraine are signatories to the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use and transfer of anti-personnel mines. Unlike them, the United States has not signed this convention.
The "Washington Post" reported that Biden's decision aims to strengthen Ukraine's defence against Russian attacks. The Pentagon deemed the sending of mines as one of the most helpful steps the US can take to slow down Russian actions.
The United States had previously supplied Ukraine with Claymore mines, which are deployed above ground and detonated by an operator. The Mine Ban Convention allows their use if applied correctly.
The decision to deliver anti-personnel mines to Ukraine met with criticism from Germany, which emphasises its commitments under the Ottawa Convention. The German Foreign Ministry expressed concern that Ukraine feels compelled to take such actions in the face of the ongoing conflict with Russia.
