PFM-1 mine

[1][3] The two wings of the PFM-1 allow it to glide after being released in the air, then spin, stabilizing it and slowing its descent, similar to maple seeds.

The disposal technician should ideally wear suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and a helmet with a ballistic visor of at least 8–10 mm of PMMA.

[11] If the mine is to be destroyed mechanically, then they should be driven on by the tracks of an armoured vehicle, or impacted with a load weighing at least 60 kg.

[11] The requirement to use soft materials is due to secondary fragments that may be generated as a result of the mine exploding: if the mine is placed on a hard or metallic surface, such as asphalt or steel, it could generate secondary fragmentation and potentially wound the disposal technician, or people around them.

[14] The last 78 PFM-1 mines held by Belarus were destroyed as the highlight of the closing ceremony marking the elimination of their landmine stock.

Following the agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA, formerly known as NAMSO) on 1 September 2012, a three-way agreement between Ukraine, NSPA and the EU was signed, which figurated that the EU would provide 3.689 million euros for the destruction of 3.3 million mines.

[20][21] Russia, as well as the United States, China, and several other countries, are not signatories of the Ottawa Treaty (the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention).

[22][23] PFM-1 was used during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, allegedly resulting in a high number of casualties among children from the mine being mistaken for a toy due to its shape and coloring.

[28] In June, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that Russia had used "at least seven types of antipersonnel mines in at least four regions of Ukraine: Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Sumy", but could not ascertain PFM-1 use in its briefing.

[31] In Russian-controlled Donetsk many PFM-1 were widely dispersed, and Russian and local sources accused the Ukrainian army of being responsible for their deployment.

[32] Another Russian war blogger, Semyon Pegov, reportedly had his leg injured and was hospitalized as a result of these mines.