Aid groups criticize US decision to send landmines to Ukraine
The U.S. has decided to send landmines to Ukraine, a move criticized by aid groups for its potential long-term harm to civilians. These mines, which are banned in many countries, can remain dangerous for decades after conflicts end. Aid organizations highlight that landmines cannot differentiate between combatants and civilians, posing risks to children and farmers. Reports indicate that Russian forces have extensively used anti-personnel mines in Ukraine since their invasion in 2022. The U.S. claims the mines will be "non-persistent," but experts warn that these older weapons may not function reliably. Critics argue this decision undermines the global effort to ban landmines and could weaken international treaties against their use.