Banned Dazzling Laser Weapon is Used by Russian-Led Forces on The Front Line in Eastern Ukraine

Along the front line in eastern Ukraine, the combined Russian army units and separatist forces are increasingly using powerful, potentially blinding laser dazzlers to confuse and intimidate Ukrainian Border Guards and military service personnel. Staff Sergeant Anton was just one victim. He asked not to reveal his face.

The dazzler damaged part of Anton’s central vision, something which allows us to read, drive and complete tasks that require looking straight ahead. His peripheral vision remains unaffected.

Doctors say full recovery after this kind of retina damage is a long process.  According to ophthalmologists, the burn like this could indeed be caused by a dazzler.

The use of blinding lasers or dazzlers was outlawed in the late 90s. The international treaty was signed by Russia in 1999.  Yet, only a month ago, President Vladimir Putin publicly boasted about the Kremlin’s new military laser technology. Ukrainian border guards have little doubt as to the supplier of dazzlers used by the Russian hybrid forces in eastern Ukraine.

Unfortunately, Anton’s case is not unique. A handful of other Ukrainian Border Guards have suffered similar eye injuries; all while deployed near Maryinka.

It’s hoped all evidence the State Border Guard Service obtains about the use of dazzlers in Donbas, will be used eventually against Russia within international courts.