As a result of Russia's invasion, Ukraine has become the most heavily mined country in the world. Potentially contaminated land accounts for nearly one-third of its territory, and some analysts predict that using conventional methods and available resources, it would take over 750 years to clear the land. Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, who heads the humanitarian demining coordination in the Ukrainian government, believes that returning 80% of the contaminated land for agricultural use should be accomplished within 10 years. Foreign experts also consider that the approaches and technologies applied in Ukraine will influence demining activities worldwide. This information is reported in the influential American publication "Time" in an article titled "Ukraine Is Using AI to Help Clear Millions of Russian Landmines"
The article highlights that landmine contamination has put six million civilians at risk. As of November 1, at least 264 civilians have been killed by mines, and over 830 have been injured. If the demining problem is not effectively addressed, the number of casualties could reach 9,000 by 2030. Landmine contamination has also rendered part of Ukraine's most valuable agricultural land unusable, affecting both Ukraine's economy and global food security.
To expedite demining efforts, Ukraine plans to utilize all available technological tools at its disposal.
"We are completely changing our approach, especially when it comes to using big data. We have the opportunity to enhance existing technologies, and this will be something new that Ukraine can export in the future," said Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, as quoted by "Time."
The Ukrainian government is collaborating with the American big data analytics giant Palantir to develop models that will determine which demining efforts will have the most significant impact. Software developed by Ukrainian programmers is already being tested today. It leverages precise satellite images and artificial intelligence-supported algorithms to help expedite land clearance. Ukrainian manufacturers have also developed the first domestic soil preparation machine, which costs significantly less than foreign equipment. Additionally, a drone-based mine detection system that utilizes a combination of thermal, hyperspectral, and magnetometric sensors to detect mines from low altitudes and transmit information to deminers has recently been introduced.
"Over the next three years, we will see fundamental changes in how humanitarian demining is conducted in Ukraine, which will influence demining activities worldwide," noted Paul Heslop, head of the UNDP Mine Action Program in Ukraine, recognizing Ukrainians' love for innovation and technology, as reported by "Time."
