Ukraine Symposium - Landmines and the War in Ukraine

Human Rights Watch has documented the use of both anti-vehicle and anti-personnel landmines in Ukraine. Following reports that Ukraine is using anti-personnel landmines (APLs) in violation of the Ottawa Convention, the Ukrainian authorities acknowledged this allegation and reaffirmed the State’s commitment to its international obligations.

This post addresses the legal framework applicable to the use of landmines in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Because Ukraine and Russia have different legal obligations regarding landmines, this framework is complex. What is clear is that the use of APLs by Ukraine is unlawful in all circumstances. For Russia, the legality of employing APLs depends on the way they are used.