Ukraine’s Prime Minister is seeking more help to clear landmines and unexploded bombs covering a significant portion of the country. This effort is crucial as Ukraine is currently the most mined nation in the world, with an estimated cost of $34.6 billion for demining, according to a World Bank study.
The clearance of landmines is essential for improving agricultural production and for the safe return of millions of Ukrainians who have been displaced since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Tragically, 399 civilians have already lost their lives due to landmines, and 915 have been injured, as reported by United Nations human rights monitors.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized the enormity of the challenge during a conference in Lausanne, calling on the international community to increase support for Ukraine in demining efforts. The National Mine Strategy aims to clear the country by 2033, but assistance is needed, especially in training 10,000 deminers and developing machines that can expedite the clearance process.
Despite the progress made in clearing 35,000 square kilometers since the war began, some areas near the front lines are still unsafe for humanitarian demining. To raise awareness about the dangers, a Mine Action consultant demonstrated the risks by walking officials through a mock-up abandoned Russian trench filled with mines and grenades.
Various countries, including the United States and Switzerland, have pledged support for Ukraine’s demining efforts. The US is considering new partnerships with Kyiv, while Switzerland plans to provide additional remote-controlled machines for clearance. New technologies such as AI-powered drones are also being utilized to survey land and detect hidden mines more effectively.
However, there are concerns about the sustainability of the demining efforts, with some fearing that donor interest may diminish as the conflict enters its third year. It is crucial for the international community to remain committed to supporting Ukraine in clearing landmines to ensure the safety and well-being of the population.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled to take place in Japan in 2025 to further discuss and address the ongoing demining challenges in Ukraine. It is essential for continued support and collaboration to effectively clear the country of landmines and create a safer environment for all Ukrainians.