On November 20, 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden authorized the transfer of anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine as part of increased military support aimed at countering Russian advances. An unnamed U.S. official confirmed that Ukraine has pledged to use these mines only in areas where they will not affect civilian populations.
In a related development, the U.S. embassy in Kyiv temporarily closed due to warnings of a potential significant airstrike on the same day. The Biden administration has also permitted Ukraine to utilize long-range ATACMS missiles against Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict that began in February 2022.
Russia has criticized Biden's decision, claiming it exacerbates the conflict. The transfer of landmines has raised concerns internationally, as over 160 countries have signed a treaty banning their use due to the long-term risks they pose to civilians. However, the Ukrainian government has sought these weapons since the onset of the invasion, citing the extensive use of landmines by Russian forces along the front lines.
Meanwhile, the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro concluded with discussions overshadowed by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged world leaders to revive stalled climate negotiations. Biden also called for immediate action on climate issues, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The summit witnessed tensions as Biden's recent policy shift regarding Ukraine drew attention away from Brazil's agenda focused on poverty alleviation and emissions reduction. The absence of explicit condemnation of Russia's actions in the G20's final statement disappointed European leaders, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressing frustration over the lack of accountability for Russia's aggression.
Lula highlighted the necessity of addressing global hunger and advancing climate negotiations, while Biden reiterated the need for collaboration to tackle what he termed the greatest threat to humanity's existence.