Russia–Ukraine Conflict Is Jeopardizing Some of the World’s Most Fertile Soil

Bombs, landmines, and other explosive devices in Ukraine are killing some of the world’s most valuable soil, creating hazards, and releasing high levels of dangerous and pervasive pollution that experts warn could leave the region permanently damaged. “The big problem right now is contamination; it’s landmines. It’s just one massive landmine,” Olena Lennon, adjunct professor and practitioner in residence at the University of New Haven’s Department of National Security, told The Epoch Times. “The more urgent question is who will fund and control the demining efforts in that area.” She pointed to estimates that it could take more than 750 years to remove the explosive devices using traditional methods, and said researchers are working to develop high-tech artificial intelligence applications to identify unexploded munitions and hasten the clearing process....