Landmines in the Ukraine War

 Landmines in the Ukraine War: A Detailed Report

I. Introduction

Landmines, both anti-personnel and anti-vehicle, have become one of the most devastating and enduring legacies of the Ukraine war. Since the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation in February 2022, vast swathes of Ukrainian territory have been contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs), posing a grave threat to civilians, humanitarian workers, and post-war reconstruction. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the role of landmines in the Ukraine war, examining their types, usage, impact, legal dimensions, and the long-term challenges they present.

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II. Understanding Landmines

Landmines are explosive devices designed to lie dormant until triggered by pressure, proximity, or contact. There are two primary categories:

Anti-personnel mines (APMs): Designed to kill or injure individuals.

Anti-vehicle (or anti-tank) mines (AVMs): Designed to destroy or disable vehicles.

Landmines can be:

Conventional (manually placed)

Remotely deployed (via rockets, artillery, or aircraft)

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used in mine-like fashion

Their use is governed by international law, notably the 1997 Ottawa Treaty (Mine Ban Treaty), which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of APMs. Notably, Russia is not a signatory, while Ukraine is.

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III. The Scale of Landmine Use in the Ukraine War

1. Global Landmine Contamination Rankings

According to the 2023 Landmine Monitor report by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), Ukraine became the most heavily mined country in the world, surpassing Afghanistan and Syria.

Over 174,000 square kilometers (roughly 30% of Ukraine’s territory) are believed to be contaminated with mines and UXOs.

2. Regional Distribution

Heavily mined regions include:

Kharkiv Oblast

Donetsk and Luhansk

Zaporizhzhia and Kherson

Kyiv outskirts (e.g., Bucha, Irpin)

Mykolaiv and Sumy regions

Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have deployed mines, though reports suggest Russia has used them on a broader scale, especially in retreating or occupied areas.

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IV. Types of Landmines Used in the Conflict

1. Russian Landmine Arsenal

a. POM-3 “Medallion” Anti-personnel Mine

A modern, sensor-activated mine.

Detects footsteps via seismic sensors and explodes above ground.

Extremely difficult to detect and disarm.

Reports confirm deployment in Kharkiv and Donetsk.

b. PFM-1 “Butterfly Mine”

Soviet-era plastic mine, scattered via aircraft or artillery.

Brightly colored, often mistaken by children for toys.

Very low metal content, difficult to locate with detectors.

Banned by the Ottawa Treaty.

c. TM-62 and TM-72 Anti-tank Mines

Used on roads, fields, and bridges.

Cause catastrophic damage to civilian vehicles, farm machinery.

d. MON-50, MON-90, MON-200 Directional Mines

Similar to US Claymore mines.

Used in ambushes, rigged to tripwires or remote detonation.

2. Ukrainian Landmine Use

Ukraine, while a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty, reportedly used remotely deployed anti-personnel mines during 2022-2023, especially in defensive operations in Donetsk and Izyum.

PMN and OZM-series Mines documented.

Ukraine has argued that any use is temporary and in response to Russian aggression.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called on Ukraine to adhere to treaty obligations.

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V. Deployment Strategies and Tactical Use

1. Defensive Barriers

Both armies used mines to:

Slow advancing armor

Protect flanks and supply routes

Secure rear areas

Fortify trench systems

2. Offensive Retreats

Russian forces heavily mined liberated or abandoned territories, creating deadly "booby traps" for advancing Ukrainian forces and returning civilians.

3. Scattering via Artillery and Rockets

Remote mining systems like Russia’s ISDM Zemledelie were used to scatter mines over vast areas in minutes.

PFM-1 mines dispersed from BM-27 Uragan rocket systems.

4. Use in Civilian Areas

Landmines found in:

Villages and town roads

Children’s playgrounds

Farmlands and water sources

Near evacuation routes

This widespread, often indiscriminate placement increases civilian casualties and violates international humanitarian law.

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VI. Civilian Impact and Casualties

1. Casualty Statistics

As of early 2025, mine-related casualties in Ukraine include:

Over 1,000 civilians killed

More than 3,500 injured or maimed

Children account for 15–20% of the injured

Actual numbers likely far higher due to underreporting and inaccessible areas.

2. Types of Injuries

Loss of limbs, especially legs

Severe burns and shrapnel wounds

Blindness or hearing loss

Psychological trauma and PTSD

3. Impact on Children

Children attracted to colorful PFM-1 mines suffer high injury rates.

Education disrupted due to unsafe school zones.

Fear of play and travel in rural areas.

4. Agricultural and Economic Devastation

Mines in fields prevent planting and harvesting.

Ukraine, a key grain producer, has seen:

Millions of hectares of farmland contaminated

Major food export losses

Rural economies crippled

5. Impact on Healthcare and Aid

Mines block ambulance routes and endanger medics.

Humanitarian workers and demining teams face frequent casualties.

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VII. Demining Challenges and Operations

1. Scale of the Problem

Estimated 5 to 10 years to clear heavily contaminated areas under current rates.

Ukraine lacks sufficient demining equipment and trained personnel.

2. International Assistance

UNMAS, HALO Trust, MAG, and others active in Ukraine.

U.S., EU, Canada, and Japan have pledged millions in demining support.

Training and equipment supplied, including:

Drones for mine mapping

Mine-detecting dogs

Robotic deminers

3. Innovations in Demining

Use of AI and satellite imagery to detect mine patterns.

Development of biodegradable mine detectors.

Local communities engaged in risk education and mapping.

4. Risk Education Campaigns

Warning signs, school programs, radio messages to educate about:

Recognizing mine markings

Reporting suspicious objects

Avoiding marked fields and paths

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VIII. Legal and Ethical Issues

1. Violations of International Law

Russia’s use of PFM-1 mines violates:

1997 Ottawa Treaty (though Russia is not a party)

1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (Russia is a signatory)

Use in civilian areas may constitute war crimes

2. Ukraine’s Treaty Obligations

Alleged Ukrainian use of banned mines raises serious questions.

Human Rights Watch has urged Ukraine to:

Investigate any unauthorized mine use

Reinforce compliance with Ottawa Treaty

3. Calls for Accountability

UN bodies and the ICC collecting evidence for potential prosecutions.

Civilian casualty documentation essential for post-war justice.

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IX. Environmental Consequences

Explosive remnants harm ecosystems.

Contamination of soil and water.

Wildlife deaths and disruption of migration patterns.

Long-term environmental rehabilitation will require decades.

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X. Future Implications and Post-War Challenges

1. Reconstruction Hampered

Infrastructure repair delayed by minefields.

Displaced civilians unable to return home.

Livelihood restoration dependent on safe land access.

2. Psychological Scars

Fear of hidden explosives lingers.

Mental health services overwhelmed.

Social trust in safety eroded.

3. The Need for a National Demining Plan

Ukraine has proposed:

Creating regional demining centers

Partnering with NATO and the EU

Incentivizing local reporting and assistance

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XI. Global and Geopolitical Repercussions

1. Revival of Mine Warfare

Ukraine war has renewed global attention on landmines.

Countries reconsidering their military doctrines and treaties.

2. Pressure on Russia

Growing global condemnation.

Push for universalization of the Ottawa Treaty.

Calls for sanctions tied to mine use.

3. Renewed Campaigns for Disarmament

NGOs like ICBL advocating for:

Stronger enforcement of bans

Greater transparency

More donor funding for clearance

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XII. Conclusion

The use of landmines in the Ukraine war represents a grave humanitarian crisis and a major obstacle to peace and recovery. While often framed as tactical necessities, their long-term impact on civilians, agriculture, and national recovery efforts is devastating. The presence of landmines will haunt Ukraine long after the fighting stops, maiming children, killing farmers, and preventing the return of normal life.

Clearing Ukraine of these deadly devices is not just a technical task—it is a moral obligation of the international community. Justice for victims, enforcement of legal norms, and a sustained commitment to mine clearance are essential if Ukraine is to heal from the physical and psychological wounds left by landmines.