Up to ten million Russian landmines throughout Ukraine since full-scale invasion | DW News

Key Concepts

• Landmines
• Casualties
• Global Treaty banning mines
• Ukraine contamination
• Demining
• Risk education
• Mine-free world goal

Impact of Landmines and Global Treaty Concerns

The United Nations' annual report highlights a significant rise in landmine casualties globally. A concerning development is that five neighboring countries to Russia have withdrawn from the global treaty banning mines, driven by fears of a Russian invasion. This action follows extensive and devastating use of these weapons by Moscow in Ukraine.

The Devastating Reality in Ukraine

The daily process of clearing landmines in Ukraine is fraught with peril, as illustrated by a personal account of losing a leg. Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, it is estimated that Russian forces have deployed up to 10 million mines and other explosives across Ukraine. The most heavily affected regions, marked in red, include Donetsk and Kherson, largely under Russian control. Approximately 25% of Ukraine's territory is contaminated, with over 5 million civilians living in or near these zones, facing constant risk.

Impact on Agriculture and Civilian Efforts

The contamination has severely impacted agriculture, with many farmers abandoning their land due to the risk of losing entire harvests. Some farmers resort to clearing their land themselves using basic tools like metal detectors or rakes, as official demining efforts are prioritized for areas near critical infrastructure like energy sources. This self-demining is extremely dangerous, as highlighted by the fact that official teams were not reaching these specific households.

Challenges of Demining in Active War Zones

Demining in an active war zone presents a continuous battle. Ongoing conflict and shelling exacerbate the dangers, and demining efforts are frequently obstructed. A tragic incident in October saw Russian missiles strike a demining mission, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers. Despite these challenges, some areas in Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Kherson have been successfully cleared, allowing fields to be prepared for cultivation once more. However, for millions still in danger zones, the threat of injury or worse remains a daily reality.

Expert Perspective on Landmine Contamination and Civilian Risk

Ifa Maria Fischer from Handicap International in Geneva expressed grave concern regarding the 25% land contamination and 5 million civilians at risk in Ukraine. She emphasized that clearing this land will take decades after the war concludes and that civilians are in extreme daily danger. Fischer noted the heartbreaking sight of farmers attempting to clear their land themselves, recognizing that they often see no other solution. She stressed the critical importance of professional demining due to the inherent dangers.

Civilian Casualties and the Nature of Landmines

The Landmine Monitor recorded over 6,200 casualties last year, with civilians constituting 90% of victims. Fischer explained that this is the inherent nature of landmines, which is precisely why 166 countries have banned them. These weapons indiscriminately kill and maim civilians, and their impact extends for decades after conflicts, long after soldiers are no longer present.

Withdrawal from the Treaty and Security Concerns

Fischer acknowledged the increased security needs of countries like Poland, which have withdrawn from the treaty due to fears of Russian invasion. However, she expressed strong disapproval of returning to "weapons of the last millennium" that were banned in the 1990s due to their humanitarian consequences far outweighing their military utility. She argued that modern alternatives exist for border protection and that these banned weapons do not enhance safety.

Protecting Children from Landmine Dangers

Children tragically account for nearly half of recorded landmine casualties. Fischer highlighted that while demining is the ultimate goal, risk education is crucial, especially during and immediately after conflicts. Organizations like Handicap International educate children and teachers about the appearance of these weapons and provide rules of behavior to prevent accidents.

The Diminishing Prospect of a Mine-Free World

The goal of a mine-free world by 2025, set 10 years prior, now appears distant. While significant progress was made in countries like Mozambique, recent conflicts have seen a resurgence in landmine use, diminishing hope for a mine-free planet.

Synthesis and Conclusion

The report underscores the escalating global crisis of landmine casualties, exacerbated by the withdrawal of several nations from the anti-landmine treaty due to geopolitical tensions. Ukraine is a stark example of the devastating impact, with vast territories contaminated, agricultural sectors crippled, and civilians, particularly children, bearing the brunt of the danger. While demining efforts are underway, the scale of the problem, coupled with ongoing conflict, necessitates urgent international attention. Expert opinions highlight the inherent danger of landmines, their disproportionate impact on civilians, and the critical need for professional demining and robust risk education programs. The dream of a mine-free world is increasingly challenged by the re-emergence of these weapons in contemporary conflicts.