The grim legacy of Russia's full-scale invasion continues to claim Ukrainian lives daily, not from artillery or drones, but from the silent, hidden killers littering the countryside: landmines and unexploded ordnance.
In the Donetsk region, the terrifying reality for civilians is that the earth itself has become a weapon. Local authorities report that at least 11 people have been killed and 34 injured in mine-related incidents since the start of 2025 alone. These are not soldiers, but farmers tending their fields, children playing, and ordinary citizens simply trying to return to their homes.
A Landscape of Hidden Death
The scale of contamination is almost unimaginable. Ukrainian officials estimate that approximately 180,000 square kilometres of land – an area vastly larger than the entirety of England and Wales combined – is potentially contaminated with explosives. This makes Ukraine one of the most mine-polluted countries on the planet.
Demining efforts, while heroic, are a painstakingly slow and dangerous process. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) meticulously clears around two hectares a day, but with current resources, clearing the entire country could take decades.
The Human Toll Beyond the Headlines
Behind the statistics are stories of profound tragedy. The story of a 14-year-old boy killed by an explosive device in the village of Zarichne is a stark reminder that the war's victims are often the most vulnerable. These incidents frequently occur far from the current front lines, in areas where fighting has subsided but the deadly debris of war remains.
Russian forces have not only used standard anti-personnel and anti-tank mines but have also resorted to booby-trapping the bodies of killed soldiers, homes, and everyday objects—a tactic that violates international humanitarian law and continues to endanger lives long after combat has ceased.
A Long Road to Recovery
The challenge extends far beyond immediate safety. The contaminated land is largely agricultural, crippling Ukraine's vital farming economy and threatening global food security. Farmers face the impossible choice between financial ruin and mortal danger.
While international partners provide support and advanced equipment, the sheer magnitude of the problem requires a sustained global commitment. For the people of Ukraine, the end of active hostilities will not mean the end of the danger. The task of making their land safe again is a monumental one that will define the nation's recovery for generations to come.
