The State Emergency Service (DSNS) has received three light-type mine-clearing vehicles, "KOZAK PM-L," purchased with funds provided by the Slovenian Government through the United24 initiative. The certificates for the vehicles were handed over to DSNS Head Andriy Danyk by the Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon, who is currently on a working visit to Ukraine. The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Nadiia Bihun.
"I am grateful to Slovenia, which consistently supports Ukraine. This is already the second transfer of equipment in the last six months, which is crucial for demining our territories. What is important is that the mine-clearing vehicles received by the DSNS specialists are made in Ukraine. This provides additional support to the Ukrainian economy during the war. But most importantly, of course, the support for humanitarian demining projects saves lives," said Nadiia Bihun.
The tender for the procurement of light-type mine-clearing vehicles was held in September 2024. The total cost of the three units was approximately 38 million UAH, which is 3.6 million cheaper than the initial price. DSNS has been using vehicles of this class in its work for several years.
"The most valuable thing in demining is people. Such mine-clearing vehicles help save the lives of our sapper teams since they can safely transport mines and other explosive objects. Tomorrow, all three vehicles will be sent to the area to carry out operational tasks," said Andriy Danyk, Head of the DSNS of Ukraine.
This is the second transfer of equipment purchased with funds provided by Slovenia. In October 2024, DSNS received two tractors for transporting demining vehicles. The agreement to allocate 1.5 million euros for humanitarian demining assistance was signed by the governments of Ukraine and Slovenia in December 2023. It came into effect on July 3, 2024, after completing the necessary internal procedures.
"We are focused on expertise and innovations in the field of demining, which we are happy to share with you. We are glad to have the opportunity and financial resources to provide support to Ukraine over the last two years. And we will continue to do so," said Tanja Fajon, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.
Note: The Ministry of Economy is the custodian of the UNITED24 account for humanitarian demining needs. Since May 2023, over 190 million UAH in equivalent has been received into the account. The distribution of funds is managed by a commission at the Ministry of Economy, which determines the amount of money for humanitarian demining efforts.
