A civilian vehicle struck a Russian mine in the Kherson region of Ukraine on Wednesday, leaving one man injured, according to local reports. The incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by unexploded ordnance in areas previously occupied by Russian forces.
The explosion, reported by Ukrainian news outlet mezha.net, occurred in Kherson, a region that has seen heavy fighting since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Analysts say Russian forces have left behind vast quantities of landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in southern Ukraine as they retreated from territory last fall and winter. “Hazardous areas have been recorded across much of Kherson Oblast,” said an official from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to media.
The injured man was reportedly transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening wounds. Ukrainian authorities continue to warn civilians about traversing dangerous areas without clearance from mine clearance teams.
Improvised minefields deployed by Russian forces have drastically increased the exclusion zone area for civilians, say sources familiar with the region. “Russian forces prefer delayed action weapons in these areas, whether landmines left behind or booby-trapped structures,” said Oleksandr Musienko, Chief Analyst with the Kyiv-based Center of Military and Legal Studies.
The incident highlights broader humanitarian concerns in Ukraine’s de-occupied territories, where clearance operations have been hindered by continued Russian hostilities and logistical challenges. As progress continues, analysts warn that the path to recovery will be long and fraught with risk for civilians.