UN Secretary-General Criticizes Use of Anti-Personnel Landmines in Ukraine Conflict

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the use of anti-personnel landmines in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the severe threat they pose to civilians. In a statement, Guterres highlighted the long-lasting dangers of these weapons, which can continue to harm innocent people long after hostilities have ceased. He also called on global leaders to join the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel landmines and has been signed by 164 countries since its enactment in 1999.

This criticism comes after the Pentagon confirmed the US had authorized the use of anti-personnel landmines in Ukraine, reversing a previous policy that restricted their use outside the Korean Peninsula. The US Defense Ministry also indicated potential future shipments of these weapons to Ukraine. The Kremlin responded by pointing out that Ukraine is a signatory of the UN convention banning such landmines.