Ukraine Ukraine: one of the most heavily mined countries in the world

[CharlieH]

Dropped by drones and scattered by rockets: how Ukraine became one of the most heavily mined countries in the world

 

Unexploded devices delivered by Russian bombardments litter the landscape, killing hundreds of people and forcing residents to avoid roads, parks and forests

 

In north-east Ukraine, just 50km from the Russian border, lies Shostka, a city that has endured relentless shelling and drone strikes since the onset of the full-scale invasion. Yet, when the sounds of conflict eventually cease, Shostka will face a lingering, invisible threat: unexploded mines and ordnance. Ukraine has become one of the most heavily mined countries globally, with explosives contaminating about a quarter of its territory—an area larger than England.

 

Shostka resident and explosives specialist, Yelyzaveta Kyseliova, 21, describes the current reality. "A few days ago, there were 40 Shahed drones over us. They can drop mines now, so even if nothing explodes right away, there’s always a chance something will go off later," she explains. Mines, often dropped by drones or scattered by rockets, are becoming an everyday hazard. Recently, a family tragically died after unknowingly driving over a mine on their usual route.

 

Local activists report frequent mine incidents, with some residents not bothering to report them anymore. In regions such as Sumy, once-trusted roads are now treacherous, parks and forests have transformed into danger zones, and fields that once sustained communities are abandoned.

 

In southern Ukraine, the city of Kherson tells a similar, grim story. Liudmyla Kryvorotko endured a personal tragedy when her vehicle detonated a landmine. "Two of my children—my 19-year-old son and my 22-year-old daughter—died on the spot," she recounts. While fleeing Russian bombardment, her car hit one of the many mines left behind by retreating forces. Despite her injuries, her 14-year-old son, Mykhailo, managed to drag them to safety.

 

Ukraine’s mine problem is complex and widespread. Traditionally, mines consist of explosive charges triggered by pressure or disturbance, designed to target both people and vehicles. Soviet forces once used small, butterfly-shaped mines in Afghanistan, which continue to pose risks to this day. These, and more, have been discovered in Ukraine's former occupied territories. Since the start of the conflict, nearly 1,000 people have been injured, and 359 killed by mines and explosive remnants of war, including 18 children.

 

UN expert Paul Heslop estimates more than one million mines are strewn across Ukraine. Russian forces have "widely booby-trapped" areas during their retreats, complicating efforts for safe clearance. The presence of large, pressure-plate landmines, often designed to explode under heavy vehicles, is especially concerning. The level of unexploded ordnance, including shells, rockets, and grenades, presents a challenge unprecedented in scale.

 

In response to ongoing threats, Ukraine, along with neighbouring countries like Poland and Finland, recently announced withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, a treaty that restricts landmine use. This is attributed to the perceived necessity of safeguarding borders against Russia. Despite this, Ukraine continues demining operations and prioritises humanitarian initiatives. Andrii Danyk, head of demining, emphasises its essential role in state policy, despite potential use for strategic defence.

 

In Shostka, efforts to cope with the threat are ongoing. Kyseliova collaborates with the Ukrainian Red Cross to educate locals on mine safety, conducting information sessions to guide them on what to do when encountering unexploded devices. Changing community behaviour proves difficult, however, as residents adapt to the omnipresent war risks. Children are especially vulnerable, driven by curiosity to handle unexploded devices.

 

The enduring threat of mines in Ukraine is a stark reminder of the conflict's lasting impact. As communities face daily perils, the focus remains on safety education and efficient demining to safeguard lives. The road to recovery is long, but the nation's resilience is unwavering.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-26