Russia’s war made Ukraine the most heavily mined country in the world. See how specialists work to clear battlefields of unexploded ordnance.

After Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine became the most heavily mined country in the world. “In Ukraine, because of the nature and the intensity of the conflict, we’re often seeing double or triple or even quadruple amputees, and a lot of those injured are in their 20s and 30s,” said Paul Heslop, a landmine clearance specialist and program manager at UNDP Ukraine. Mines left on battlefields pose a serious threat to civilians, he stressed. While teams of Ukrainian specialists are working tirelessly on demining, clearing the country of mines and unexploded ordnance, including cluster munitions, will take many years and significant resources. Meduza shares photos offering a glimpse into the daily efforts to rid Ukrainian land of deadly explosives.

Meduza has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine from the very start, and we are committed to reporting objectively on a war we firmly oppose. Join Meduza in its mission to challenge the Kremlin’s censorship with the truth. Donate today.