Main
News
Society
The dangers of unexploded ordnance and what to do if you find it

The dangers of unexploded ordnance and what to do if you find it

Kira Aronova Journalist

19 January 2026, 13:37

The dangers of unexploded ordnance and what to do if you find it — Instructions from the State Emergency Service: what artillery ammunition looks like and how to handle it

Even a single piece of ammunition left behind after combat operations can pose a deadly threat to life — experts remind us of basic safety rules.

Unexploded artillery ammunition remains one of the most serious hidden dangers in the de-occupied and frontline territories of Ukraine. Such items are neither "souvenir trophies" nor scrap metal — they can explode at any moment and cause serious injury or death.

Rescuers urge citizens to be cautious about suspicious finds and to remember the basic algorithm of actions. If you find a shell or other explosive object, you must stop immediately, do not touch the find, and call the emergency services on 101. Experts also advise regularly reviewing information materials on the appearance of artillery ammunition and rules for handling it in order to reduce risks to yourself and those around you.

Unexploded shells, explosive objects, safety, ammunition, State Emergency Service, war

Society

More

The mother of the Deputy Minister of Justice has bought a flat in a hotel in Bukovel

The mother of the Deputy Minister of Justice has bought a flat in a hotel in Bukovel

The mother of Deputy Minister of Justice Yevhen Pikalo has become the owner of a property in the upmarket Glacier Premium Apartments in Bukovel.

Rules on checking sick notes have changed in Ukraine: what you need to know

Rules on checking sick notes have changed in Ukraine: what you need to know

New procedures for verifying sick notes and the medical reports on which they are based have come into force in Ukraine.

The Rada is discussing new restrictions for those who fail to comply with military registration requirements

The Rada is discussing new restrictions for those who fail to comply with military registration requirements

The Verkhovna Rada is discussing additional restrictions for citizens who breach military registration rules or evade their mobilisation obligations.

Your booking could be cancelled due to salary issues: what you need to do before July

Your booking could be cancelled due to salary issues: what you need to do before July

Businesses planning to obtain or confirm their status as ‘critical’ for staff retention in July must meet the wage criterion for June.

Employment records after 10 June: what the Pension Fund has clarified

Employment records after 10 June: what the Pension Fund has clarified

The Pension Fund of Ukraine will continue to accept scanned copies of paper employment record books after 10 June 2026.

War

More

Russia attacked several regions of Ukraine during the night of 4 June; there are reports of deaths and injuries

Russia attacked several regions of Ukraine during the night of 4 June; there are reports of deaths and injuries

During the night of 3–4 June, Russian forces launched strikes on a number of regions in Ukraine. The attacks have resulted in casualties and caused damage to residential buildings, infrastructure and businesses.

Over the past 24 hours, there have been 279 combat engagements on the front line

Over the past 24 hours, there have been 279 combat engagements on the front line

Over the past 24 hours, Russian troops have carried out hundreds of attacks on the positions of the Ukrainian Defence Forces and on Ukrainian towns and villages. The enemy remained most active in the Pokrovsk, Huliaipole and Lyman sectors.

The Russian Federation’s military casualties have exceeded 1.369 million

The Russian Federation’s military casualties have exceeded 1.369 million

Over the past 24 hours, the Russian army has lost a further 1,300 troops in the war against Ukraine. The Defence Forces have also destroyed dozens of enemy vehicles and weapons.

A Russian drone attacked an evacuation vehicle belonging to a humanitarian mission in Druzhkivka

A Russian drone attacked an evacuation vehicle belonging to a humanitarian mission in Druzhkivka

In Druzhkivka, in the Donetsk region, a Russian FPV drone struck an armoured vehicle belonging to the ‘Proliska’ humanitarian mission, which was being used to evacuate civilians. The driver was unharmed, but the vehicle sustained damage.

1,500 motorcycles have been procured for the Ukrainian Armed Forces – Fedorov

1,500 motorcycles have been procured for the Ukrainian Armed Forces – Fedorov

The Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) has signed contracts for the supply of 1,500 motorcycles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.