4 key types of landmines, how they work, and their impact on the Russia-Ukraine war

Sun, 08/13/2023 - 08:02

A close-up of a landmine exposed in the dirt, with a Ukrainian soldier walking by in front of the bomb. — Hand or mechanically placed mines, such as the TM-62, are most commonly buried or laid on top of the ground.
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Landmines have played a key role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials have described the density of some of Russia's minefields as "insane."
Here are the four main types of mines, how they work, and how they've impacted the war.

Russia has laid huge, "insane" minefields to try and grind down Ukraine's counteroffensive. One Ukrainian official said Russia had placed five mines per square meter in some regions.