News update
Ukraine's Emergency Service Clears 200,000 Hectares of Landmines
Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine's State Emergency Service (SES) has cleared nearly 200,000 hectares of land contaminated by mines. This information was reported by SES officials at a recent briefing.
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This page is updated as verified details move. The lead and top sections are tightened first when the clearest confirmed angle changes.
Photo: Ukrinform EN
At a glance
- SES has cleared 200,000 hectares and neutralized 600,000 explosive devices.
- Approximately 20% of Ukraine's territory is potentially contaminated by mines.
- Around 2,400 specialists are currently involved in demining efforts.
- A mine action platform is being established to coordinate demining activities.
- The majority of contaminated areas are in occupied regions and combat zones.
Why it matters
Demining is vital for the safety of returning citizens and the restoration of normalcy in affected regions. The efforts also underscore Ukraine's need for international support in dealing with the humanitarian aftermath of conflict.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-society/4108588-ukraines-state-emergency-service-clears-nearly-200000-hectares-of-landmines-since-start-of-war.html
What Happened
Units of Ukraine's State Emergency Service (SES) have made significant progress in demining operations, clearing approximately 200,000 hectares of land and neutralizing around 600,000 explosive devices since Russia's renewed invasion began in February 2022. Serhii Reva, the Director of the SES Department of Mine Action Measures, shared these details at a briefing, confirming the extensive nature of the cleanup efforts.
Key Details
According to Reva, Ukraine has become one of the most heavily mine-contaminated countries globally. He noted that nearly 20% of Ukraine's total territory, approximately 133,300 square kilometers, is potentially affected by landmines.
These contaminated areas include predominantly occupied regions and active combat zones. Additionally, a significant portion of Ukraine's maritime areas remains contaminated, which will be addressed post-conflict.
As part of the demining efforts, roughly 2,400 explosive ordnance disposal specialists are currently engaged in operations across Ukraine. This is a stark increase from around 600 specialists who were available prior to the war.
Reva emphasized the ongoing commitment of the SES in addressing the persistent threat posed by landmines, particularly as some parts of the country remain inaccessible due to ongoing military activity.
Why It Matters
The successful clearance of landmines is crucial for ensuring safety and promoting the return of displaced populations to affected areas. Furthermore, these efforts are essential for rebuilding infrastructure and stabilizing regions once the conflict subsides. The health and safety of communities in mined territories depend heavily on effective demining initiatives.
Background
Land contamination due to mines and unexploded ordnance has become a severe humanitarian issue in Ukraine since the start of the conflict. SES's proactive approach, including the planned establishment of a mine action platform aimed at enhancing coordination in research and innovation, underscores the urgent need to address this crisis.
The demining operations are expected to continue evolving as the situation in the regions changes and as additional resources become available.
Source: Ukrinform EN
This report is maintained as a live newsroom article. Headlines and top paragraphs may be tightened when fresh reporting changes the clearest angle.
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