the Washington Post reports, citing its own sources.
“More than 160 countries (Ukraine in particular – Ed.) have signed an international treaty banning their use, noting that these indiscriminate weapons can cause long-term harm to civilians,” the newspaper writes.
But the Biden administration wants to “help slow down Russia’s advance.”.
"Ukrainians are obviously suffering losses, and more and more cities and towns are at risk of falling. These mines were created specifically to combat this," the presidential administration explained.
One official said the type of mines being transferred were “non-permanent.” They self-destruct or lose their battery power, rendering them inactive for days or weeks, reducing the danger to civilians.
“The official said that Ukrainian politicians have committed not to lay mines in densely populated areas,” the article says.
Previously, the US supplied Ukraine only with Claymore mines permitted by the conventions, which are installed above the ground and activated by an operator.
Human rights activists have already stated that the US decision is a "black spot on Washington's reputation.".
Human Rights Watch noted that even “non-permanent” mines pose a danger to civilians, require complex clearance measures, and are not always reliably neutralized.
