Ukrainian forces accused of using banned mines, rights group reveals

Human Rights Watch has collected evidence suggesting that Ukrainian forces used internationally banned antipersonnel land mines in Russian-occupied areas of eastern Ukraine. The evidence includes photographs of rockets used to scatter the mines, which were traced back to Ukrainian organizations. The use of these mines violates the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, to which Ukraine is a signatory. Russia, which has not signed the treaty, has also used antipersonnel mines extensively. The mines pose a significant threat to civilians, as their small size and innocuous appearance can lead to accidental handling. The Ukrainian government has not responded to the evidence, but previously acknowledged similar findings by Human Rights Watch.