Belarus calls US supplies of mines to Ukraine a violation of the balance of power in the world

The US decision to supply anti-personnel mines to Ukraine is yet another violation of the balance of power in the world. The chief of the general staff of the Armed Forces of Belarus and first deputy defense minister of Belarus, Pavel Muraveiko, told reporters on 20 November.

"There was a system of checks and balances in the world. Including the prohibition of the use of anti-personnel mines in modern conflicts. The decision to supply such mines to Ukraine is another violation of the balance of power, escalation of the means of defeat that can be used," his words at the international military-scientific conference "Applied aspects of scientific activity in the field of defense and security of the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) member states" are reported by "RIA Novosti."

The Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Belarus added that the CSTO countries should take this into account, because there are no guarantees that such weapons will not be used against the member states of the organization.

Muraveiko noted that the degradation of the geopolitical situation, the growing instability and the inability of international political institutions to influence the ongoing processes are visible today.

"It is no secret that the confrontation along the West-East line has reached a hot phase. Against this background, the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, near the southern borders of Belarus is a kind of trigger. This is associated with the adoption of irresponsible political decisions," explained Muraveiko.

He called sending Ukrainian and international mercenaries to attack the Kursk region, authorizing the use of long-range systems on civilian infrastructure deep inside the Russian Federation, and supplying Ukraine with anti-personnel mines irresponsible decisions.

"We cannot disregard these factors," concluded the first deputy defense minister of Belarus.

Earlier in the day, the media reported on the US plans to allocate $275 million in military aid to Kiev. According to US officials, Kiev will receive air defense equipment, including HIMARS missile systems, artillery shells of 155 mm and 105 mm caliber, Javelin anti-tank ammunition, as well as other equipment and spare parts. It was also reported that US President Joe Biden authorized the delivery of anti-personnel mines to Ukraine in order to deter the advance of Russian troops. This was reported by The Washington Post on November 19, citing a source.

The previous day, US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that in the coming days Washington would announce a new package of military aid to Kiev, which would include air defense equipment and armored vehicles. In turn, The Washington Post wrote that Biden authorized the supply of antipersonnel mines to Ukraine.

Prior to that, on November 14, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga said that the US presidential administration intended to transfer the full amount of the promised aid to Kiev before the end of Biden's term. These intentions were confirmed by the Pentagon. According to the U.S. Defense Ministry, the U.S. has $9.3 billion of agreed funds for these purposes.

Western countries have stepped up military and financial support for Ukraine against the backdrop of Russia's special operation to protect Donbass, which began on February 24, 2022. The decision to carry it out was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin because of the aggravation of the situation in the region due to the increased shelling by Ukrainian troops.