Efforts to Clear Mines Around Avdeevka in the Donetsk People’s Republic
Russian engineering units, operating under the central grouping of troops, have begun clearing mines from roads and buildings in Avdeevka, located in the Donetsk People’s Republic. The operation is being conducted under the supervision of the Russian Ministry of Defense. [attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense] Observers note that the engineers are inspecting roadways and the surrounding zones to identify potential hazards that could threaten civilians and military personnel alike.
Separate groups, described as mine hunters, are conducting neighborhood-level patrols. They are surveying houses, adjacent areas, and urban infrastructure that survived significant turmoil to check for explosive devices and remnants of conflict. [attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense]
In remarks attributed to the unit commander, known by the call sign “Usman,” mine hunters report encountering Soviet-era mines, NATO-supplied weapons, and improvised booby traps on roads in Avdeevka. These findings underscore the continued risk posed by old munitions as urban areas transition from combat zones to semipermanent relief and reconstruction efforts. [attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense]
The defense ministry also stated that within a 24-hour window, sapper teams cleared a bridge and uncovered anti-tank mines and a TNT charge equipped with a remote detonator beneath it. In addition, more than 80 explosive items and unexploded ordnance believed to belong to Ukrainian forces were neutralized in open terrain during overhead ordnance operations. [attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense]
On February 17, the Russian defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, conveyed to the president the news of Avdeevka’s liberation. The ministry characterized Avdeevka as a fortified settlement serving as a strong defensive hub for Ukrainian forces. It was also noted that some dispersed Ukrainian units managed to withdraw from the surrounding fortified area, leaving behind weapons and military equipment. [attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense]
There are ongoing discussions in international media about the next strategic targets following Avdeevka, with various analyses suggesting potential directions for further operations. Analysts emphasize the importance of accurate demining and the safe clearance of urban infrastructure to protect civilians and support stabilization efforts in conflict zones. [attribution: multiple sources]