The country is today one of the most mined in the world. These devices have caused nearly 300 deaths since February 2022.
The challenge of mine clearance
Since the United States authorized kyiv to target Russian forces on its soil with American weapons, Russia’s offensive in the Karkhiv region has stalled, but Moscow’s forces continue to gain ground. On this Eastern front, terror is daily for the inhabitants; but to the west and north, far from the combat lines, another type of danger threatens the population in their everyday lives: antipersonnel mines. The Chernihiv district in the north of the country had been occupied by the Russians for several weeks at that time. And when the villages were liberated, in April 2022, they found themselves with soils that had been mined to slow down the advance of the invaders. So that residents can move safely on their land, the HALO Trust organization is increasing mine clearance and awareness operations – Thanks to international grants including those from France. Emmanuelle Chaze followed a team of deminers about twenty km south of Chernihiv.
Interview: Stéphane Audoin-Rouzeau
In February 2024, nearly 300 World War I shells were discovered at a construction site near Reims in northeastern France. More than 100 years after the conflict, munitions resurface. Shells, mines, trenches, positional wars… Analysts often draw parallels between the great war and the war in Ukraine. Frédérique Lebel asked Stéphane Audoin-Rouzeau, war specialist and research director at EHESS, how were these comparisons relevant?
The European Union seen from elsewhere: Moldova
The small country now a candidate for EU membership is directly threatened by the conflict initiated by Russia in Ukraine. Roman Cozma is 33 years old, he is an engineer. After ten years spent in France for his studies and the start of his professional life, he chose to return to live in Moldova where he is involved in the green transition of public transport. He has great hope in the rapprochement with the European Union. Testimony collected by Frédérique Lebel.
The musical choice of Vincent Théval
Matrimonio di Ruggiero by Erlend Øye & La Comitiva.