By Canadian Press

Russian troops planted mines in playgrounds and parks in Ukrainian town: Joly

May 10, 2022 | 12:49 PM

OTTAWA — Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says Russian troops planted mines in playgrounds, parks and at the front gates of family homes in Irpin, a town she recently visited with the prime minister.

Joly visited Kyiv and Irpin on Sunday with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a surprise visit to Ukraine to reopen Canada’s embassy.

Speaking from Berlin, she says she was told not to step off the sidewalk in Irpin because the Russians planted so many mines in the town, including around people’s homes, before their retreat.

She says young families with children from the Kyiv suburb cannot return until the mines are mapped and cleared.

Joly says Canada is skilled in mine clearance and is providing expertise to Ukraine, as well as $2 million in funding for the Halo Trust, which clears mines and explosives.

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She says Canada is also helping with education about the danger of mines for Ukrainian adults and children.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June, 10 2022.

The Canadian Press