In January 2025, Ukraine's Ministry of Defense demining units successfully cleared 8,755 hectares of deoccupied land from explosive hazards, continuing their vital work to make former battle zones safe for civilians and reconstruction efforts.
The demining efforts focused on several key areas:
- 8,682.14 hectares of agricultural land were cleared, enabling the restoration of essential farmland for local communities.
- 11.38 kilometers of highways were also cleared, ensuring safer transportation routes for citizens and logistical operations.
Throughout the month, demining teams discovered and neutralized a total of 6,011 explosive devices, contributing to the ongoing campaign to eliminate the threats left by the Russian invasion. Since the war began, the total number of explosive items neutralized by Ukrainian teams has reached an impressive 422,888.
As of January 31, the number of certified demining operators has risen to 80, with 9 new operators joining the effort during the month. These trained professionals play a critical role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the demining operations.
The Main Directorate for Demining, Civil Protection, and Environmental Safety of the Ministry of Defense coordinates the efforts of various specialized units, including the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, the National Police’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Units, and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine's Pyrotechnic Units.
In line with Ukrainian legislation, only certified demining operators are authorized to conduct humanitarian demining, ensuring that these high-risk tasks are carried out by qualified professionals. This coordinated approach is crucial to returning deoccupied territories to civilian life, allowing people to return to their homes and for the rebuilding process to begin.
