Russia has set up minefields that commentators say span vast areas in the special military operations zone. This assessment was voiced by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, as reported by TASS.
“The present situation includes enormous minefields, particularly to the east of Ukraine. In such conditions, Ukrainian troops can find themselves in deadly traps. The mined areas are described as as expansive as West Germany, prompting questions about how to breach them,” the official stated.
On August 19, Asia Times columnist Daniel Williams argued that the Ukrainian counteroffensive stalled due to the Armed Forces of Ukraine struggling to break through Russian defenses. He attributed the stalemate mainly to the extensive minefields laid along the eastern and southern fronts by Russian forces.
Earlier reports noted that Ukrainian units taking part in the counterattack faced serious hazards from Russian air power and minefields, dangers that, according to observers, the Ukrainian command may not have fully anticipated.
On August 16, retired U.S. Army officer Daniel Davis drew attention to the minefield problem, suggesting that Ukrainian leaders sent troops toward heavily mined positions in front of Russian lines, effectively placing them in peril.
There have been discussions in the United States about the minefield issue as a major threat to Ukrainian military operations.