Plus, Daniel Craig’s performance in “Queer.”
Biden agreed to give Ukraine anti-personnel mines
The Biden administration agreed to supply Ukraine with American anti-personnel mines to bolster its defenses against Russian attacks.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said yesterday that the decision was prompted by Russia’s increasing reliance on foot soldiers to lead its assaults, rather than armored vehicles.
The approval for these weapons comes as the war enters its fourth winter and Russia is making gains. Kyiv’s forces are exhausted and facing shortages of personnel and artillery. Marc Santora and Tyler Hicks reported from the eastern front, where the Ukrainians are “simply worn out.”
Controversy: Rights groups have widely condemned the use of mines for their toll on civilians. The devices can outlast an armed conflict for decades and Ukraine is already the most heavily mined country in the world, according to the U.N. U.S. officials addressed that concern, saying that they were only providing mines that self-destruct after a set amount of time. Here’s how these mines work, explained by two Times reporters and veterans who were trained in their use.
In Kyiv: The U.S. embassy issued a rare warning of a “significant air attack” and shut down temporarily.