Story perspectives

Ukraine's PFM-1 Mines: Civilian Casualties Soar, Children at Risk

2/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

PFM-1 anti-personnel mines, also called petal or butterfly mines, are Soviet-designed and widely used in the Ukraine conflict by Ukrainian and Russian forces.
Experts say about 90% of civilian casualty incidents in Ukraine involve PFM-1 mines.
Their leaf-like appearance makes them hard to identify and dangerous, especially for children.
Demining experts warn of long-term injuries for survivors and that defusing them often requires controlled explosions.

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Story summary

PFM-1 anti-personnel mines, also called petal or butterfly mines, are Soviet-designed and widely used in the Ukraine conflict by Ukrainian and Russian forces.
Experts say about 90% of civilian casualty incidents in Ukraine involve PFM-1 mines.
Their leaf-like appearance makes them hard to identify and dangerous, especially for children.
Demining experts warn of long-term injuries for survivors and that defusing them often requires controlled explosions.