Over million mines planted across Ukraine - UN
Photo: Over a million mines have been planted in Ukraine (Getty Images)
Over one million mines have been scattered across Ukraine, and it will take more than a decade to clear them, The Guardian reports.
In particular, UN mining expert Paul Heslop noted that over one million mines had already been scattered across Ukraine and that Russian forces were continuing to set traps in some regions during their withdrawal, including both anti-tank and anti-personnel mines.
Heslop also emphasized that many unexploded shells, missiles, and grenades remain in several regions after fighting, especially in buffer zones.
“While clearing the areas, we are looking at a level of complexity, of scale, that we just haven’t seen before,” added the UN mining expert.
Mine contamination in Ukraine
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, just under a thousand people have been injured and 359 killed by mines and explosive remnants, including at least 18 children.
As of today, Ukraine is the most heavily mined country in the world. Russian mines continue to be discovered daily in the de-occupied territories. They can remain dangerous for decades.
According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, mines are one of the cruelest methods of warfare. Russian forces even leave them inside civilian homes.
After the war ends, the greatest danger to the population will come from minefields and traps set by Russian forces. These traps can be triggered not only by vehicles but also by a person stepping on them.
