In Ukraine, there are over a million mines that threaten safety

• In Ukraine, there are over a million mines, which pose a serious threat to the population.
• Since the beginning of the war, nearly a thousand people have suffered from explosive remnants of war.
• Clearing the territories may take more than a decade.

In Ukraine, especially in the regions, where active hostilities have been reported, there are over a million mines. This makes the country one of the most mined in the world by quantity. According to UN experts, during the ongoing war, clearing will take more than a decade.

In the city of Shostka, located in the northeastern part of Ukraine, residents are faced with the danger of unexploded mines that have remained after shelling. Among them are mines that were launched by drones or spread by rockets. For example, 21-year-old specialist in explosive ordnance Elizaveta Kiselova noted that some residents do not report finding mines due to the frequency of such incidents.

Among the most tragic consequences is the death of children from explosive remnants of war. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, nearly a thousand civilians have been injured and 359 killed, including 18 children. This indicates serious risks for the local population, especially for children, who may accidentally encounter unexploded ordnance.

UN expert Paul Heslop emphasized that Russian troops continue to establish mines even during the retreat, including mining civilian roads and buildings. "We are dealing with a level of complexity that has not been seen before," he noted.

In Ukraine, efforts to clear mines continue, but the government is also considering the possibility of using mines to slow down the advance of Russian troops. Alongside this, humanitarian demining remains a priority of state policy.

In villages like Shostka, educational programs are being conducted to raise awareness among local residents about the dangers of mines. However, according to Kiselova, changing people's behavior in wartime conditions is difficult.

Tags: Ukraine