Anti-Personnel Mine Blast in Kherson Injures Four, Including Two Young Children.

Car Hits Landmine in Kherson

According to UATV: On January 31, a civilian vehicle in Kherson detonated a PFM-1 "Petal" anti-personnel landmine, injuring four people. The victims include a 47-year-old man, a 34-year-old woman, and two girls, aged 2 and 5. All four sustained blast-related injuries, including concussions and closed traumatic brain injuries.

The Persistent Threat of "Petal" Mines

The presence of "Petal" mines in the Kherson region is not new; they were first discovered there over six months ago. In September 2022, three local residents were also injured by these devices. It is important to note that "Petal" mines are banned under international humanitarian law and are often dispersed by drones, making them a widespread and indiscriminate hazard. The ongoing conflict has left a deadly legacy of unexploded ordnance across Ukraine.

By early 2026, the estimated area of contaminated land in the Kherson region was in the tens of thousands of hectares. This vast scale underscores the severe and long-term risks posed by explosive remnants of war to returning civilians.

Mine blasts continue to pose a grave threat to civilians, especially in areas that have seen active hostilities. Given that these weapons are prohibited by international treaties, the situation in Kherson demands urgent action, including comprehensive demining operations. This latest incident highlights the critical need for continued safety measures and public awareness regarding the hidden dangers that persist long after the fighting has stopped.