Ukraine’s decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel mines has been met with concern from international humanitarian organizations, but is seen as a necessary measure by Ukrainian officials to defend against Russian troops. The move would allow Ukraine to officially produce and receive anti-personnel mines from non-signatory countries like the US.
The use of anti-personnel mines is considered “purely defensive” and “critically dangerous for everyone,” but necessary to help outnumbered Kyiv’s troops grind down overwhelming Russian manpower, according to Serhiy Hrabskyi, a retired Ukrainian colonel and military analyst.
