Propagandists are spreading claims that the Armed Forces of Ukraine have allegedly mined the rear, installing two million explosive devices. However, this is false.

This is reported by the Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security. Its experts have determined that manipulations concerning the ‘mining of territories by the AFU’ are actively used in Russian propaganda. In July 2024, they falsely claimed that explosives were supposedly placed under dams and bridges in Odesa. In reality, it was Russian forces who, retreating from Kherson in 2022, left behind numerous mines. They mined roads, residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and other civilian objects, creating threats to civilians. Because of this, Ukraine has become one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world. According to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, the contaminated area covers approximately 139,000 square kilometers. Annual economic losses due to this amount to $11.2 billion. The occupiers' mining of territories has already caused over 760 civilian casualties, including 86 children. These tragedies are a direct consequence of Russia's war crimes and its tactics of terror against Ukraine.

Propagandists disseminate this disinformation for several purposes. Specifically, they aim to convince international audiences and Ukrainians of the alleged incompetence or bad faith of Ukraine's military command. Such propaganda is also designed to create panic and despair among the population, fostering the perception that Ukrainian authorities act against their own citizens. Moreover, by doing so, Russia seeks to shift responsibility for mining onto Ukraine to divert attention from Russia's war crimes, including the mining of civilian facilities.