**US to Give Ukraine Anti-Personnel Land Mines**
The US has agreed to give Ukraine anti-personnel land mines, a move seen as an attempt to slow down Russian troop advances. A US defence official confirmed that the Biden administration had approved the delivery of these mines.
These mines are designed to remain active for a limited period of time and would not be used in densely-populated areas. This is different from Russia’s use of landmines, which has been criticized for putting civilians at risk.
**US Embassy in Kyiv Closes Temporarily**
The US embassy in Kyiv has temporarily closed due to a potential threat of air attack on November 20th. The embassy received specific information about this threat and has instructed employees to shelter in place.
This is not the first time the US embassy has closed temporarily due to warnings of potential air attacks. Similar closures have occurred around New Year’s and Ukraine’s Independence Day.
**Russian Gains Accelerate**
The Russian military is gaining territory at a rapid pace, with almost six times as much land seized this year compared to 2023. Ukraine’s surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region in August has faltered, with Russian troops pushing back Kyiv’s offensive.
Despite its gains, Russia’s advance has come at a huge cost, with at least 78,329 troops killed since February 2022.