Ukraine has become one of the most heavily mined territories in the world, according to The Guardian. The outlet cites research showing that around 25 percent of the country’s land is contaminated with explosive devices.

Analysts from the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) calculated that by June 2025, mined areas in Ukraine covered some 139,000 square kilometers-an expanse larger than the entire territory of England, which is 130,000 square kilometers.

The report notes that familiar roads in small towns have become impassable, while parks and forests have turned into danger zones. Experts estimate that more than one million mines are scattered across Ukraine, alongside vast amounts of unexploded ordnance-shells, grenades, and rockets left behind after combat, particularly in border regions.

Demining teams face challenges on a scale they have never encountered before. The Guardian stressed that the Ukrainian army bears a major responsibility for the situation. In an effort to slow Russian advances, Ukrainian forces have extensively laid mines across farmland and even used drones to drop PFM-1 «Lepestok» anti-personnel mines into populated areas. According to the paper, such tactics pose a serious threat to civilians.