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Paris: Human Rights Watch, a non-governmental organization, accused Ukraine on Tuesday of using its forces with banned mines against Russian forces during the battle to liberate Izyum (east), which the Russians occupied for nearly six months, and which Kyiv recaptured in September.
“Ukraine should investigate the apparent use by its forces of thousands of anti-personnel mines that were deployed by missiles in and around the city of Izyum when Russian forces occupied the region,” Human Rights Watch wrote, adding at the same time that Russian forces had used similar mines in many parts of Ukraine. Since the invasion began about a year ago.
In Izium, the organization documented several cases in which these Soviet-made mines were used. They were found in nine regions that included Russian sites, which suggests that they were “targets”.
The report quoted Steve Goose, Arms Director at Human Rights Watch, “It appears that Ukrainian forces have massively mined the Izyum region, causing civilian casualties and posing an ongoing danger.”
“Russian forces have repeatedly used anti-personnel mines and committed atrocities throughout the country, but this does not justify Ukraine’s use of these banned weapons,” he added.
ready to investigate
According to the health services interviewed by Human Rights Watch, which conducted its investigation on September 19 in Izium, it is believed that about 50 civilians, including at least five children, were injured by these mines during or after the Russian occupation, causing half of them to lose one of their lower limbs.
For his part, Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets said on Telegram on Tuesday, “Ukraine respects its international obligations. Our state is always ready to accept investigations.”
