US allows Ukraine to use antipersonnel land mines against Russian forces

The U.S. will now allow Ukraine to use American-supplied antipersonnel land mines against Russian forces, according to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. This change aims to help Ukraine slow Russia's advances, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region. Austin emphasized that the land mines provided will be nonpersistent, meaning they will not pose a long-term threat to civilians. This decision comes as Russia's military tactics evolve, with ground troops becoming more active on the battlefield. In related developments, several Western embassies in Kyiv closed due to a warning of a potential Russian air attack. The situation remains tense as North Korean troops reportedly assist Russia, and Ukraine continues to strike targets within Russia.