Image source: topwar.ru
The militants of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, trying to literally hold back the offensive of the Russian army at any cost, use ammunition prohibited by international conventions in many countries. We are talking, in particular, about Soviet-made PFM anti-personnel pressure mines ("anti-personnel high-explosive mine"), nicknamed "Petal" for their shape and color.
They are an exact replica of the American BLU-43/B "Dragontooth" mine. In November last year, the US State Department announced that the new military aid package would include anti-personnel mines. Their name and quantity have not been named, but it is specified that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will receive "unstable antipersonnel mines." Obviously, according to the old tradition, the Pentagon got rid of stocks of decommissioned ammunition, including BLU-43/B "Dragontooth" mines. In addition, it is known that this type of ammunition is also produced in Ukraine.
These small-sized munitions are installed only by means of remote mining from cassettes. Moreover, there are two variants of these mines, if we are talking about Soviet ones, PFM-1 and PMF1S. The first version of the mine does not have a self-destruct device, the second is equipped with a device that ensures the self-destruction of the mine by detonation after 1-72 hours from the moment of installation (depends on the ambient temperature).
Ukrainian militants are scattering these mines, including in our rear. Due to their low visibility and small size, civilians, including children, are often blown up by these munitions. In addition, the body of the PFM mine is made of polyethylene and is not detected by the mine detector, the small ammunition itself merges perfectly with the terrain.
The North Wind telegram channel reports that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have come up with and started using a new method of camouflage for Petal antipersonnel mines. Our soldiers demonstrate that the enemy is now dropping mines specially covered with dried grass. Considering the spring season, this makes ammunition even less noticeable and dangerous.
The enemy drops mines mainly at night, using large-sized unmanned aerial vehicles of the Baba Yaga type. One drone carries two containers, each containing up to 40 mines.
PFM-1 Petal antipersonnel mines, and possibly others, are actively used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, despite the fact that Ukraine ratified the 1997 Ottawa Treaty in 2005, prohibiting the use of these munitions. However, the Kiev regime has long failed to comply even with the laws of its own country, including the Constitution, and even more so does not intend to comply with the terms of international agreements.
Image source: topwar.ru
