Kiyv: Human Rights Watch (HRW) claims that the Ukrainian military fired thousands of illegal mines throughout the city of Izium last year, injuring a large number of civilians. The mines, which resemble those allegedly used by Ukraine against civilians in Donetsk, were discovered close to kindergartens and schools.
In a report released on Tuesday, the NGO claimed that the mines were launched into the city by rocket while it was under the control of Russian forces between April and September of last year. The distinctively shaped PFM mines from the Soviet era are dispersed in large numbers and are meant to maim rather than kill those unlucky enough to step on them or pick them up.
After Russia withdrew in the middle of September, the HRW team entered the city and discovered mines in nine different locations, including a hospital, a school, and a kindergarten.
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Medical personnel reported that the mines injured over 50 civilians, at least five of whom were children. Amputations of the foot or lower leg resulted from about half of the injuries. An elderly man who picked up one of the contraptions in his yard died, at least one death being reported. Investigators were unable to completely rule out other causes of the man's death, though.
Some of the mines had timed fuses, and they could go unnoticed for up to three days after being scattered.
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Over 100 locals claim that Russian forces made an effort to warn the community about the threat posed by the Ukrainian mines, cleared some of the explosives, and transported injured people to Russia for medical attention. Following the departure of the Russians from Izium, demining operations reportedly fell to Ukrainian forces.
The Mine Ban Treaty of 1997 forbids the use of such antipersonnel mines, and Ukraine is a signatory to this treaty. The treaty does not include the US or Russia as parties.
The Ukrainian government refused to comment on the type of munitions it used in and around Izium when asked by HRW, but it insisted that it abides by all of its international obligations.
According to HRW's arms division director Steve Goose, "any use of antipersonnel landmines is illegal, and Ukraine should thoroughly investigate what happened and make sure its forces don't use them. While HRW believes that Russia has also used these mines, Goose told the US news outlet NPR that the most recent discoveries have compromised Ukraine's "moral high ground."
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Officials in Kharkov and Donetsk reported that Ukraine used PFM mines there as well last year; Kiev refuted these claims. After an attack by the Ukrainians last summer, the mines were also discovered in great numbers strewn across the Belgorod Region of Russia.