Soviet, foreign and improvised: mines of Ukrainian formations
Mina "Petal" in Lisichansk, July 2022. Photo by Telegram / "Poddubny"
The Russian army and the civilian population of Donbass constantly face a serious threat in the form of mines and other explosive devices. During the retreat, the Ukrainian formations carry out mining of the area, and also use systems of remote installation of mines in the cities. As a result, our sappers have to deal with a variety of munitions that threaten people, equipment and infrastructure.
Spectrum of Threats
With the collapse of the USSR, the armed forces of independent Ukraine got large stocks of weapons and ammunition. In particular, the warehouses contained hundreds of thousands or millions of mines of all major classes and types of Soviet production. In the future, these products lay idle or, according to some reports, were sold on the international market to interested foreign armies.
Significant changes in the situation occurred in 2014 after the start of the so-called. anti-terrorist operation. The Ukrainian army began to use the existing mines against the militias of Donbass. Anti-personnel and anti-tank barriers were created based on various types of ammunition. All this to a certain extent prevented the struggle of the two republics for independence, and also led to new victims.
Interestingly, in 2014-15. also began the process of disposal of existing stocks. Ukraine and NATO have agreed to destroy existing anti-personnel mines PFM-1 "Lepestok" of the basic modification, which are not equipped with a self-liquidator. The Alliance allocated the necessary money and helped with the organization of work. However, the joint project was thwarted. Foreign funding was successfully mastered, but a large number of Petals remained in warehouses.
At the beginning of 2022, Ukrainian formations were preparing an offensive against the republics, and in this context, the use of mines faded into the background. However, the beginning of the Russian operation forced them to retreat, and in this situation, the possibility and necessity of using mines appeared. Engineering units of the Kyiv regime tried to carry out mining on the expected paths of attack of our troops. As it became clear later, such activities generally did not give the desired result.
Despite the presence of large stocks of mines, Ukraine began to receive such ammunition from abroad. The receipt and use of a number of types of foreign-made explosive devices has been recorded. Some of the delivered samples have characteristic features, due to which they pose an increased danger to the civilian population.
However, Russian engineering units have long shown and repeatedly confirmed their ability to deal with the mine threat. They have a variety of means to detect a mine and defuse it, preventing it from being blown up or, conversely, destroying it on the spot. Sappers are among the first to enter the liberated area and facilities, ensuring the safety of other military personnel and local residents.
Destroyed German-made AT2 anti-tank ammunition. Photo Telegram / War Gonzo
Anti-personnel ammunition
In 2005, Ukraine signed the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, but has not yet complied with its terms. As a result, large stocks of such weapons still remain in Ukrainian warehouses - and they are actively used at the front. Moreover, anti-personnel mines are also deliberately used against civilians in cities and towns.
Since last summer, Ukrainian formations have been regularly carrying out remote mining of the cities of Donbass. With the help of rockets, PFM-1 mines are delivered to the cities. In the conditions of urban development, such weapon represents a particular danger and requires special attention. Given the nature and purpose of such use of mines, we can talk about real terror against the population.
Fortunately, the inhabitants of the attacked cities show the necessary vigilance and observe safety precautions. At the same time, our sappers are searching for and clearing mines. As a result, the Ukrainian "Lepestki" cause minimal damage, and the victims receive all the necessary assistance.
In parallel, mines of a number of other types left over from the Soviet army are used. These are products of the POM, PMN, MON, OZM, etc. series. They are used in the organization of barriers in open areas and for mining various objects. Installation is carried out manually or using mining systems.
Often, Russian sappers have to deal with booby traps. In this capacity, different existing ammunition is used. The simplest traps are based on hand grenades; full-fledged anti-personnel mines are also used in this role. It is reported about the joint installation of anti-personnel and anti-tank ammunition to increase the impact.
Anti-tank weapons
When the Soviet arsenals were divided, Ukraine also got large stocks of anti-tank mines of all major types. Such weapons have been quite actively used since 2014, and in 2022 the number of minefields, for obvious reasons, increased. In addition, Ukrainian formations received several types of foreign anti-tank mines last year.
French product HPM mod. 2, August 2022. Photo by Telegram / "Welders"
The main anti-tank weapons of the enemy sappers are the old Soviet mines of the TM series. They were installed in significant quantities in different areas and directions. However, TM-62, TM-72, etc. are well known to our specialists, and they are armed with all the means to combat such mines. Trawls, extended charges, etc. successfully make passages in minefields.
In the summer, it became known about the delivery to Ukraine of French anti-tank mines HPD mod. 2. This product is made in a plastic case, equipped with a magnetic target sensor and carries a cumulative warhead. The mine is triggered by detecting a large metal object above it. At the same time HPD mod. 2 is highly sensitive, and even small objects can cause it to explode. Sappers with mine detectors are also at risk.
Also in the summer, German anti-tank mines AT2, one of the main modifications, appeared at the front. Such ammunition is installed remotely using a special rocket for MLRS MARS II / MLRS. The mine is equipped with a contact wire target sensor and carries a shaped charge to hit the bottom of the target.
Other mines were also supplied from abroad, designed to combat manpower and equipment. These were a variety of anti-personnel ammunition, as well as anti-tank products of various classes - anti-bottom, anti-aircraft, etc.
The appearance of mines of the NATO model did not go unnoticed. Despite their considerable age, such weapons pose a certain danger to our armored vehicles and, accordingly, can affect its combat work. However, the necessary measures were taken, and passages in minefields appeared in the areas of operations of our units. After liberation, the areas are completely cleared of mines.
Means of struggle
To combat the mine threat, Russian engineering units use their standard set of tools, systems and complexes. Sappers choose methods and means appropriate to the current task, and perform the necessary work. The high level of training of specialists contributes to the successful solution of the tasks set.
Engineering RTK "Uranus-6" at work. Photo UNM DPR
In some cases, when working in urban areas or at industrial facilities, foot sappers with wearable means are engaged in demining. The search for mines is carried out visually, as well as with the help of probes and mine detectors. Neutralization is carried out manually or with the use of overhead charges. At the same time, the task of demining is solved subtly and accurately.
Engineering vehicles and robotic systems are used in open areas. If possible, the passage is made with an elongated charge from the UR-77 installation. There are also specialized demining armored vehicles and trawls for installation on Tanks. play a prominent role in the events Robotssuch as Uran-6. All these tools simply destroy mines, and the process of clearing the area is seriously accelerated.
Threat and response
Thus, mines of various types, Soviet and foreign, factory or homemade, are widely used in the current conflict. With the help of a variety of explosive devices, Ukrainian formations are trying to slow down the Russian offensive, and also attack already liberated cities and towns.
In general, this tactic does not justify itself. The Russian engineering troops are successfully coping with the elimination of the mine threat, both at the front and in the rear. As a result, enemy mine weapons do not have a noticeable effect on the course of battles and the overall results of the Special Operation. At the same time, the most famous episodes of its use are simply useless from a military point of view, but perfectly characterize the Ukrainian formations and the Kyiv regime as a whole.
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