Demining Ukraine
Why is it needed?
Ukraine’s territory has been heavily affected by combat
operations, with approximately 30% (174,000 sq.km)
requiring clearance of explosive ordnance left by invaders.
This makes Ukraine the largest mined territory globally,
surpassing Afghanistan and Syria. The ongoing conflict has
hindered assessment and access to the affected areas, with
around 18% of Ukraine still under occupation.
Russian forces have used various tactics, including victim-activated devices and multiple booby-traps, to create mine-traps. They have deliberately contaminated farming areas and agricultural land to disrupt future economic activity. However, the pace of demining progress has been slow, with only a small fraction of the potentially contaminated territories cleared.
Russian forces have used various tactics, including victim-activated devices and multiple booby-traps, to create mine-traps. They have deliberately contaminated farming areas and agricultural land to disrupt future economic activity. However, the pace of demining progress has been slow, with only a small fraction of the potentially contaminated territories cleared.
Although Ukraine has gained expertise in demining since 2014, a
comprehensive structure and strategy for demining have not yet been
developed. International assistance is crucial in areas such as clearance, mine
risk reduction, victims’ assistance, advocacy, and stockpile reduction.
Differentiating between combat, operational, and humanitarian demining is essential, as each requires specific approaches.
Given Ukraine’s war-torn economy and numerous challenges, it heavily relies on international assistance in all aspects of life, including demining. However, the country faces difficulties in allocating sufficient funds for demining from its own resources. The limited number of demining teams and operators would require centuries to clear all affected areas of the country.
Private operators face limitations in hiring, training, and equipping new staff due to financial constraints. NGOs, funded by international donors, are better equipped but still face challenges. The shortage of deminers and scarce demining equipment further hampers progress. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine remains the main beneficiary that can achieve results in a most efficient time manner.
Differentiating between combat, operational, and humanitarian demining is essential, as each requires specific approaches.
Given Ukraine’s war-torn economy and numerous challenges, it heavily relies on international assistance in all aspects of life, including demining. However, the country faces difficulties in allocating sufficient funds for demining from its own resources. The limited number of demining teams and operators would require centuries to clear all affected areas of the country.
Private operators face limitations in hiring, training, and equipping new staff due to financial constraints. NGOs, funded by international donors, are better equipped but still face challenges. The shortage of deminers and scarce demining equipment further hampers progress. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine remains the main beneficiary that can achieve results in a most efficient time manner.
Why we ask for help?
In the framework of the Memorandum of understanding and
cooperation signed in 2022 between LUkraine asbl and
State Emergency Service of Ukraine, we have contributed a
lot efforts to help Ukrainian rescuers to operate under
constant pressure of russian bombings.
State Emergency Service of Ukraine has expressly asked the
international donors to contribute in the area of demining.
Given our partnership with Venari Group Ltd, biggest
producer of special purpose vehicles for the UK firefighters
and NHS and their expertise in delivering UK’s most
advanced drone support vehicle in UK we have partnered to
create a special purpose vehicle for mine detection.