Map of areas potentially contaminated by mines

Due to the extension and the intensity of combat operations, Ukraine is already the most mined country in the world, surpassing Afghanistan, Cambodia and Syria. The real extent of the mined areas is unclear, with the most affected regions situated along the frontline. According to Ukrainian authorities, 174 000 km2, representing about a third of the country, could require demining, although the actual area may be smaller. The challenge comes not only from land mines, but also unexploded ordnance. These explosives are a serious threat to the communities affected, and a major obstacle for the resumption of agricultural activities, and local economies. Ukrainian farmers are particularly exposed to the risk of unexploded devices when working on contaminated fields. The Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC) has announced that mines kill farmers ‘every week’.