The Observers - 'They look like a toy': Ukrainian civilians under threat from ‘petal mines’
France 24 Europe
by The FRANCE 24 ObserversFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The PFM-1 anti-personnel mine, also known as "petal mines" or "butterfly mines," has become a significant threat to civilians in Ukraine due to its indiscriminate nature and ability to cause severe injuries. Designed by the Soviet Union and notorious for their use in Afghanistan, these mines are now being widely employed by both Ukrainian and Russian forces. Unlike traditional landmines, PFM-1s are designed to maim rather than kill outright, making them particularly dangerous for civilians who may mistake them for harmless objects like toys or leaves due to their small size and innocuous appearance.
The mines are dispersed through rockets, bombs, and increasingly, drones, which allows for widespread scattering over large areas. This makes them difficult to locate and clear, especially in densely wooded regions where they can blend into the environment. Experts from demining organizations, such as HALO Trust and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, have highlighted the severe consequences of these mines on civilians, including traumatic amputations, loss of sight, and hearing. With only five kilograms of pressure required to detonate one mine, they pose a constant threat to those who encounter them.
The challenge of clearing PFM-1 mines is compounded by their design, which requires specialized expertise to defuse. Demining teams often resort to controlled explosions to neutralize the mines, but this process is not always feasible in every location. The use of these mines has already caused hundreds of civilian casualties, with children and adults alike suffering life-altering injuries. This underscores the urgent need for increased demining efforts and raises concerns about the long-term impact on Ukraine's population.
The situation highlights the broader dangers of modern warfare, where weapons like PFM-1 mines are used to inflict indiscriminate harm on civilians. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has brought global attention to the humanitarian crisis caused by these mines, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and resources to address such threats. As the war continues, the use of "petal mines" serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers faced by civilians in conflict zones worldwide.
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Originally published on France 24 Europe on 2/24/2026