Since the onset of Russia’s large-scale aggression, Ukraine has made significant strides in demining efforts, clearing 5,308 square kilometers of territory contaminated by mines and explosive devices. This remarkable progress was discussed during a recent meeting of the National Authority for Mine Action, led by First Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk.

The meeting brought together representatives from various ministries, including Defense, Internal Affairs, and Economy, to outline the implementation of the humanitarian demining plan for 2024. This initiative focuses on de-occupied areas and aims to ensure the safe return of agricultural lands to productive use. Currently, humanitarian demining operations are active at 282 sites, covering 17.5 square kilometers, with 88 sites already transferred back to local communities.

Additionally, over 2,059 square kilometers of agricultural land have been surveyed and cleared, reflecting the commitment to restoring normalcy in affected regions. The Ministry of Defense also addressed maritime demining efforts, with plans to acquire three additional demining vessels next year to enhance ongoing operations.

Notably, improvements in maritime demining have been facilitated by specialized equipment donated by Germany, aiding in the detection and classification of explosive objects. In the Kherson region alone, sappers have cleared approximately 24.5% of de-occupied territory, underscoring the urgency and effectiveness of these efforts.

As of early 2024, an estimated 25% of Ukraine’s territory remains contaminated with mines, a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by the conflict. While previous assessments indicated that 30% of the country was affected—an area comparable to two Austrias—officials anticipate that complete demining may take up to ten years. The commitment to clearing these dangers highlights the resilience and determination of Ukraine as it navigates the path toward recovery and safety.

Read more at The New Voice of Ukraine.