Russia expressed strong disapproval on Wednesday regarding the Biden administration’s decision to authorize the shipment of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine, accusing the U.S. of intensifying the conflict and “fully committing to prolonging the Ukraine war.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized the move during a press briefing in Moscow, stating, “The outgoing U.S. administration is doing everything within its remaining time to continue the war.”
Peskov was responding to reports that President Joe Biden had approved the delivery of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine. He suggested that this decision aligns with the administration’s broader policy on the conflict.
“If we look at the general trajectory of the outgoing U.S. administration, they prioritize actions that prolong the war,” Peskov added.
According to a Washington Post report on Tuesday, Biden authorized the provision of the mines, with unnamed U.S. officials claiming that Kyiv has agreed not to deploy them in densely populated areas. While Ukraine welcomed the decision, it faced backlash from human rights groups and arms control advocates, including the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), which condemned the move due to the long-term civilian harm caused by such weapons.
Peskov pointed out that Ukraine is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines, unlike Russia or the U.S., calling it a “noteworthy situation” since the use of such mines by Kyiv would violate the convention.
Separately, Peskov addressed a U.S.-made ATACMS missile strike by Ukraine on Russian territory. He confirmed that President Vladimir Putin had recently discussed safeguarding critical infrastructure, such as the Crimean Bridge, during meetings with government officials.
While Russia considers freezing the conflict unacceptable, Peskov reiterated that Moscow remains open to negotiations to resolve the crisis.
Regarding allegations of Russian involvement in sabotaging Baltic submarine cables, Peskov dismissed the claims and accused Ukraine of engaging in “sabotage and terrorism,” citing incidents such as the Nord Stream pipeline explosions.
Discussing U.S.-Russia relations, Peskov confirmed the existence of a Kremlin-White House hotline but noted it remains inactive. He also mentioned that a new Russian ambassador to the U.S. has been approved and will be announced soon, filling a position that has been vacant for several months.
Additionally, Peskov commented on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s reported selection of Karoline Leavitt as press secretary, stating he was unfamiliar with her. He noted that the last communication at the press secretary level between the two countries occurred during Barack Obama’s presidency.
