Farming in Ukraine: Balancing Livelihoods with Landmines

Viacheslav Dydarenko, a farmer in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine, faces the harsh reality of farming near the Russian border. Shrapnel scars and losses plague his 4,450 acres of land, but he refuses to abandon his fields despite the risks.

Local authorities have imposed farming bans near the border to build fortifications against Russian attacks, causing farmers like Oleksandr Moroz to bear losses and sacrifices. Moroz, who demined his land to continue planting, understands the necessity of these defenses.

Compensation efforts have been slow for affected farmers, leading to financial hardships and uncertainties. Yet, some like Vasyl Vlasenko persevere, refusing to give up on their livelihoods despite the dangers.

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