Understanding Explosive Contamination in Ukraine
Scope, History, Impact, and Hazards
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Scope and History
Since April of 2014, Ukraine has faced armed conflict with Pro-Russian backed separatists and Russian forces. More recently, Russian troops launched a large-scale invasion starting in February of 2022. This protracted and escalating conflict has in turn brought unbelievable levels of explosive contamination in the form of landmines, cluster munitions, guided missiles, and improvised explosive devices. Not only does the type and volume of explosive contamination complicate clearance and demining activities but the area in which this contamination exists is vast as well. On May 26, 2022, remarks released by Karen Chandler of the United States State Department, noted that approximately 80,000 square kilometers of land were contaminated with explosive hazards. This large area accounts for approximately 13 percent of Ukraine's territory. Additionally, Ms. Chandler highlighted that contamination covers about 10 percent of farm land in Ukraine.
Historically, since 2014, most of the explosive contamination was concentrated in the east of the country along the previously known "Line of Contact" that ran roughly through the middle of the Donestk and Luhansk Oblasts. This contamination has since expanded to the highly populated cities and surrounding areas of Kyiv, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Severodonetsk, and along the southern portion of the Dnipro River.
Before and After Images of School 134 in the northeast of Kharkiv
Photos of damages in Kiev and Khariv
Impacts of Explosive Hazards in Ukraine
Population Density - Purple (light (low) - dark (High) V.S. Population Density and Explosive Events Heatmap
Internally Displaced People
The areas around Kyiv, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Severodonetsk, and along the southern portion of the Dnipro River are some of the most densely populated areas of Ukraine. Due to hostilities, the UNHCR estimates "(s)ome 7 million people have been displaced internally within Ukraine and some 13 million people are estimated to be stranded in affected areas or unable to leave due to heightened security risks, destruction of bridges and roads, as well as lack of resources or information on where to find safety and accommodation." This issue is exasperated due to the explosive contamination left in these densely populated areas which limit economic activities, freedom of movement, and the ability of the 7 million internally displaced Ukrainians to return home.
Barley, Sunflower, and Wheat Production as a percentage of total output
Agriculture
In addition to the internal displacement and restricted movement of Ukrainians is the issue of agricultural production in the most affected aforementioned regions. The most planted crops in these regions are barley, sunflowers, and wheat. An estimated 41% of barley, 56% of sunflower, and 50% of wheat grow here and will most likely not be harvested this year due to the threat of unexploded ordnance and landmines as well as the restriction of movement caused by the conflict.
Time, Money, and Resources
Prior to the full-scale invasion by Russian forces demining efforts "cleared 3.4 square kilometers in the Donbas region since 2017 at a cost of $23.6 million" according to Karen Chandler. Estimates from the United States State Department and Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs suspect this represents only "only 4 hundredths of one percent" of the current suspected explosive contamination in Ukraine. This dismal prospect would mean a crude estimate of demining efforts after the conflict has ended could cost upwards of $59 billion.
Types of Explosive Hazards found in Ukraine
Landmines, projectiles, rockets, guided missiles, and grenades are all but a few examples of the types of explosive contamination currently found in Ukraine. Please see the map below for an interactive look at some of the locations and types of explosive contamination that have been found in Ukraine. Alternatively, use your phone to scan the QR code to take a look at an Augmented Reality explosive contamination exhibit for a closer look at ordnance items currently affecting Ukrainians.
Scan the code to see an Augmented Reality exhibit of some of the military munitions currently found in Ukraine