This footage, taken by a Ukrainian civilian, shows his tractor's tiller striking and detonating several anti-personnel mines as he plows his field. Fortunately, he managed to miss the mines with his actual tractor, but this still represents a close call and a harsh reality for Ukraine in years to come.

While official government and volunteer efforts to protect civilians from mines and unexploded ordinance have been underway since the beginning of the war, the number of mines being used is well ahead of the demining efforts. Therefore, Ukraine's agricultural community will be placing itself in danger with every planting and harvest. For perspective, 10 percent of the world's wheat comes from Ukraine, along with 15 percent of the world's corn, and 13 percent of the barley. And these are just the major foodcrops; Ukraine is a leading producer of other grains grown for their oils as well. If Ukraine stops farming, someone somewhere goes hungry. Their motivation is probably more economic than altruistic, but Ukrainian farmers will continue to take risks such as these mines to keep farming.

The HALO Trust is a US-based charity organization dedicated to the removal of mines and UXO in order to protect civilians. They have been working in warzones all over the world since 1988 and are operating in Ukraine right now. No non-combatant man, woman, or child on either side of any conflict deserves to step on a mine, so while this isn't normally a space used for such things, I urge you to consider giving them your support.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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