Russia’s new, increasingly dangerous mine-laying technique
After nearly two years of fighting against Russian troops, about 30% of Ukraine’s territory is said to be strewn with unexploded mines.
“The Russians connected the whole minefield. If you try to remove them, you can kill your entire unit,” warned Sergeant Boller, a Ukrainian commando teaching new recruits.
Special forces are often the first to go to the front lines. AFP photo
Removing landmines is essential to Ukraine’s war effort, as they clear the way for offensive operations and allow civilians to return home.
But commandos warn that their already dangerous work is being complicated by a lack of recruits and Russia’s new, increasingly dangerous mine-laying techniques.
With mines in hand, Anatolii, another commando, warned the new recruits about potential pitfalls.
“A banknote, a pack of cigarettes, a phone… Those are definitely traps,” he told the soldiers who were worried in the cold.
“We even lost many soldiers just because Pepsi cans were booby-trapped,” Ukrainian special forces declared.
The head of the anti-mining department of the Ukrainian army, Colonel Oleg Shyvarskiy, also admitted that Ukrainian special forces are increasingly encountering new Russian tactics that make their work more difficult.
Kiev said Russia’s minelaying strategy is constantly improving, combining anti-personnel mines and anti-tank mines, as well as explosives dropped by helicopters.
Colonel Shyvarskiy admitted that there was “innovation from the Russian side”. He said Moscow was placing mines “at random.”
“In some areas, mines are placed less than half a meter apart,” Mr. Shyvarskiy emphasized.
The true number of mines Russia has placed in Ukraine is impossible to determine, he said.
“We will only know after our territory is liberated,” the Ukrainian Colonel said.
For 42-year-old special agent Anatolii, mine detection requires “quickness and intuition” because Russia constantly sets traps.
“It’s no secret that Russia has very good engineers, perhaps the best in the world,” said veteran Ukrainian commando.
Ukrainian special forces: Indispensable heroes on the battlefield
Commandos are often the first to arrive at the front lines, clearing territory before attackers arrive.
The motto of Ukrainian special forces is “always ahead”. But it’s hard to find people willing to take such risks.
“In addition to distinguishing explosives, you need to know their chemical composition and how to handle them… You need to be properly trained. It’s hard to find smart, fearless people,” Boller emphasized. .
Colonel Oleg Shyvarskiy emphasized that the role of special forces is “indispensable” in the war with Russia.
“Mechanized units will never start an attack until the engineer force has finished clearing,” Colonel Shyvarskiy emphasized.
However, he admitted difficulties in recruitment and that most people were “simply afraid of becoming commandos”.
Sergeant Boller was covered in dust after detonating an anti-tank mine during a training session.
He used a shovel to gently tap the mine, while the soldiers near him cautiously backed away.
“It helps new recruits get used to explosions,” he said, smiling.
“We mostly worked at night, checking the ground with a stick in hand. We crawled on the ground, in mud, in feces… The Russians placed mines everywhere,” the Ukrainian Sergeant emphasized, sharing that he lost many friends and colleagues while performing mine clearance missions.
“Those who don’t die often lose their legs. But that won’t stop me,” Sergeant Boller declared.
