The killing minefields of Russia's war
The problem has only gotten worse in the nine years of war since this Kyiv Post report.
This is Kyiv Post chief editor Brian Bonnerβs summary of the Jan. 22, 2016, edition, which can be read here in PDF format:
We're done in the newsroom. The new edition focuses on more deadly consequences of Russia's war against Ukraine. Mines have killed at least 261 people and injured 479. We take you behind the scenes with the Ukrainians who helped make the Oscar-nominated documentary "Winter on Fire." We recount the highlights of lawmaker Π‘Π΅ΡΠ³ΡΠΉ ΠΠ΅ΡΠ΅Π½ΠΊΠΎ's investigations of Serhiy Lyovochkin and Dmytro Firtash, two allies of ex-President Viktor Yanukovych. Reform Watch returns in print, with two pages that look at what's been accomplished and what still needs to be accomplished when parliament resumes session on Jan. 26. We're also keeping an eye on what's happening in Davos, Switzerland, where the big shots are meeting at the World Economic Forum. Everyone hopes, of course, that talks will advance peace. Please join us online or in print. Thanks to all of you!
Hereβs an AI-generated news update on the situation:
Ukraine is currently facing a severe landmine crisis due to Russia's extensive use of mines during the ongoing conflict. As of January 2025, approximately 174,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory are contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance, making it one of the most heavily mined countries globally.
The human toll is significant. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, landmines and explosive remnants have resulted in at least 321 civilian deaths and 774 injuries, including 16 children killed and 88 injured.
These figures are likely underreported due to the challenges in data collection during ongoing hostilities. The presence of landmines has also severely impacted Ukraine's agricultural sector. An estimated 10% of the country's agricultural land, approximately 5 million hectares, cannot be cultivated due to landmine contamination, leading to significant economic losses.
Efforts to address this crisis are underway. Supported by international organizations and local authorities, demining operations are actively clearing contaminated areas. However, the scale of the problem is immense, and comprehensive clearance is expected to take decades and require substantial financial resources.
I wonder how many have died or been maimed since