Biden’s Shift on Ukraine Policy Sparks Tensions with Russia

Clear Facts

• President Biden has approved the delivery of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine, marking a shift in U.S. policy.
• These mines are designed to deactivate after a period, reducing the risk of long-term harm to civilians.
• The decision comes amid heightened tensions with Russia, which has responded by updating its nuclear weapon use doctrines.

President Biden has once again shifted U.S. policy regarding Ukraine by approving the delivery of anti-personnel mines. This move signifies an escalation in the ongoing conflict with Russia, occurring just before President-elect Trump assumes office. The approval has drawn criticism from Trump’s allies, who argue that it intensifies the conflict unnecessarily.

Ukrainian authorities have assured that these mines will only be deployed within their own territory and away from densely populated areas. Previously, the U.S. had refrained from providing such weaponry due to the potential for causing unintended harm long after conflicts have ended.

However, the mines being sent to Ukraine are equipped with an electric fuse that relies on a battery, which deactivates the mines after a certain period, thereby minimizing the risk of civilian casualties.

The decision to send these mines coincided with Ukraine’s use of American-made ATACMs in a strike on Russian soil, a use that Biden had only recently permitted. This has further fueled accusations from Trump’s circle, with Donald Trump Jr. expressing concerns about the potential for escalating conflict.

The Biden administration’s actions are reportedly a response to Russia’s decision to involve 10,000 North Korean soldiers in the conflict against Ukraine in Kursk. Despite this, a senior U.S. official has indicated uncertainty regarding whether Biden will authorize the use of missiles beyond the Kursk region.

In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin has updated Russia’s nuclear weapon use doctrines. The White House National Security Council, however, has downplayed this reaction. An NSC spokesperson commented:

“As we said earlier this month, we were not surprised by Russia’s announcement that it would update its nuclear doctrine.”

The spokesperson continued, “Observing no changes to Russia’s nuclear posture, we have not seen any reason to adjust our own nuclear posture or doctrine in response to Russia’s statements today.”

This development follows the authorization by Great Britain and France for Ukraine to conduct SCALP/Storm Shadow missile strikes, further contributing to the tension. Putin has previously warned that allowing Ukraine to use such missiles would effectively mean that the U.S. and NATO are directly involved in the war.

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