"President Joe Biden has authorized the provision of antipersonnel land mines to Ukraine," The Washington Post reported on Tuesday, quoting two unnamed US officials as saying.

The move, according to the daily, is part of a larger strategy to strengthen Ukraine's war effort as Russia's military gains ground in the protracted conflict.

The mines, described as "non-persistent" and designed to deactivate after a set period ranging from four hours to two weeks, are intended for defensive use within Ukraine's borders.

US officials claimed that Kyiv has pledged to avoid deploying them in densely populated areas.

The mines use an electrical fuse requiring a battery, and the mine becomes inert when the battery runs out, a defense official explained, according to a CNN report.

This policy shift follows the recent US authorization for Ukraine to deploy long-range missile systems capable of striking deep within Russian territory.

Earlier Tuesday, the US State Department approved a possible $100 million sale of military equipment and services to Ukraine.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.

The development comes after reports of North Korea sending troops to support Moscow's war effort.

A senior US official said the move also aims to deter further North Korean involvement in Russia's war on Ukraine, which began in February 2022.

Together, these measures represent urgent steps taken by the Biden administration to aid Ukraine amid growing concerns over faltering defenses.

AzVision.az

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