Germany urges Russia to stop using landmines on Ukrainian farmland

BERLIN (AA) — Germany on Tuesday urged Russia to stop planting mines in Ukrainian agricultural fields.

"I call on Russia to finally stop its ruthless and widespread use of landmines on agricultural land in Ukraine," German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said in a statement, marking International Mine Awareness Day.

Baerbock said Russia's use of landmines in Ukraine was not only causing civilian casualties and suffering, but also preventing farmers from cultivating their fields, disrupting food production.

"Russia is thereby causing food shortages in the global marketplace, thus exacerbating hunger in the world," she said.

Ukraine is one of the world's top agricultural producers and a major exporter. More than a year into its war with Russia, about 40% of its land area must now be searched and cleared of landmines and explosives, according to the government.