Russian occupiers have begun remotely mining Kherson with new anti-personnel mines of the "Pryanik" type, which pose a serious threat to the civilian population. Moreover, the threat exists not only for frontline cities. Military expert Oleksiy Hetman told UNN about this.
Kherson authorities confirmed the use of new enemy mines. In particular, the head of the city military administration, Yaroslav Shanko, warned Kherson residents about the danger and urged them to be careful.
Attention, residents of Kherson! The enemy has mined the city's territory. Anti-personnel mines of the "Pryanik" ("Plyushka") type have been found in Korabelna Square
How the city is being mined
According to military expert Oleksiy Hetman, modern mining in most cases is carried out remotely - without the direct presence of military personnel on site. This allows the occupiers to cover large areas and create danger even in rear areas.
Mining is now carried out remotely. Artillery, drones, and cluster munitions are used for this. Such small mines do not fall one by one - they are submunitions that are scattered after the explosion of a cluster charge and then activated after landing
He added that the delivery method depends on the distance to the target.
They can be dropped from UAVs or delivered by artillery - depending on where they can reach. That is, in fact, mining can occur at different distances
What makes "Pryanik" dangerous and how it differs from "Lepestok"
Hetman emphasizes that the new type of mine is not fundamentally different in terms of threat level - all anti-personnel mines are dangerous. However, their compactness and widespread use increase risks for civilians.
Any anti-personnel mine is dangerous. They have a small amount of explosives - approximately 20-50 grams, but this is enough to cause serious injuries. It can tear off a foot or part of a leg. Their task is not to destroy, but to maim a person
The expert emphasizes that the use of such mines in cities is a war crime.
Mining populated areas where civilians live is a direct attack on the civilian population and a gross violation of the rules of war. This is another war crime
Can they mine from drones and at long distances?
Separately, the expert drew attention to the possibility of using various carriers for spreading mines. In particular, the use of long-range drones is not excluded.
Theoretically, such mines can be installed on various drones. That is, the enemy can mine even Lviv or Kyiv, not to mention not such long distances as, for example, Mykolaiv. The same "Shahed" can drop them during flight
At the same time, the expert emphasizes that this is only a potential scenario, but it cannot be ignored.
How civilians should act and what to do if found
Hetman urges citizens to be as careful as possible and not to try to interact with suspicious objects on their own. This applies especially to children and teenagers.
If you see something unfamiliar - just walk around it. Do not touch it under any circumstances. You need to inform rescuers or the police. They will come and check if there is a threat
He specifically emphasized the risks of careless behavior.
There is a problem with teenagers who may want to check or pick it up. This is very dangerous. Therefore, it is necessary to explain that such objects can cost health or life
Thus, according to the expert, remote mining using new types of anti-personnel mines is another example of terror tactics against the civilian population. The main danger lies not only in the ammunition itself, but also in its massive and hidden distribution.