One significant challenge arising from the war is the widespread mining of a substantial portion of Ukraine’s territory. In this context, the situation in the Chernihiv region and the measures taken to ensure the safety of the civilian population were discussed on Hromadske Radio by Pavlo Solodovnyk, a correspondent in the Chernihiv region.
«According to our military sources, the border is heavily mined, and mine clearance is an exceedingly difficult and labor-intensive process. In certain areas, clearance is not feasible due to ongoing fire, making it premature to discuss. Since 2022, there have been instances of civilians encountering mines, even in the region between Kyiv and Chernihiv. These incidents occurred when individuals ventured into prohibited areas, such as forests, despite warnings, or when farmers were working the land», — Solodovnyk reported.
He emphasized that most high-risk areas are appropriately marked with warning signs, and the responsibility lies with the population to adhere to these restrictions:
«With respect to the border, the public is well-informed about the prohibition on entering specific areas, including restrictions on activities like mushroom picking, berry gathering, or collecting firewood. Irresponsible actions can lead to loss of life, so people generally comply with these rules.
While there are no official statistics available, I personally observe mine warnings extensively along the border. These warnings include signs, markings on trees, and areas cordoned off with tape. Thus, I wouldn’t say there is an issue with marking».
The agricultural sector, in particular, faces challenges due to mining and shelling. Solodovnyk noted that some borderlands previously used for farming are now inaccessible.
«There is a problem as farmers who used to cultivate fields near the border are now unable to do so. This area serves as a kind of buffer zone, fraught with mines and shelling», — explained the correspondent.