Biden Approves Anti-Personnel Mines for Ukraine, Closes Kyiv Embassy Amid Attack Threats

President Biden authorizes the supply of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine while the U.S. closes its Kyiv embassy, citing imminent attack risks.

U.S. President Joe Biden has consented to provide Ukraine with anti-personnel land mines, according to a defense official speaking to the BBC. This decision is viewed as an effort to hinder the progress of Russian forces.

A US official has confirmed to the BBC that Ukraine has committed to using mines with a limited active period and will refrain from deploying them in densely populated areas.

Meanwhile, the US embassy in Kyiv is temporarily closed after receiving information about a “potential significant air attack on 20 November.”

Both Ukraine and Russia reported significant drone attacks overnight.

It was previously confirmed that US-made longer-range Army Tactical Missile System (Atacms) missiles had hit targets within Russia shortly after reports surfaced indicating the White House had authorized their use.

The Russian military is rapidly advancing along the front line in Ukraine at a pivotal moment in the conflict.

According to data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), in 2024, Russia has captured nearly six times more territory compared to 2023 and is progressing towards significant Ukrainian logistical centers in the eastern Donbas region.

Colonel Yevgeny Sasyko, who previously led strategic communications for Ukraine’s general staff, stated that Russia employs “powerful jaws” around the outskirts of a city to gradually “grind through” defenses until they give way.

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At the same time, Ukraine’s unexpected foray into Russia’s Kursk region in August is losing momentum as Russian forces have repelled Kyiv’s advance.

According to ISW data, Moscow’s forces have captured approximately 2,700 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory so far this year, compared to only 465 square kilometers throughout the entirety of 2023.

Despite its territorial gains, Russia’s progress has come at a significant cost. An analysis by BBC Russian revealed that at least 78,329 troops have lost their lives since February 2022.

The US embassy in Kyiv has temporarily shut down following reports suggesting a possible major air attack on November 20th.

“In a statement, they announced that the embassy will be closed out of an abundance of caution, and employees are being instructed to shelter in place.”

The embassy also advised US citizens to be prepared to take shelter if an air alert is issued.

BBC