Main image: photo: European Union/ECHO/Oleksandr Ratushniak
In 2026, humanitarian demining of Ukraine’s deoccupied territories will be planned using a new approach – leveraging modern digital solutions.
This was discussed at the final meeting of the National Mine Action Authority, chaired by Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Mykola Shevtsov.
A key innovation was the presentation of a digital platform developed by Ukrainian experts and scientists in ecology, economics, geoinformation systems, and data engineering. The platform enables prioritization of demining agricultural land based on analysis of large datasets – directing resources where land clearance is most urgently needed. During the meeting, participants were informed about the results of demining plans in 2025. From January 1 to December 30, Security and Defense Forces demining units surveyed over 490 km² of agricultural land across nine regions of Ukraine, of which 367 km² were cleared of explosive remnants.
The members of the National Authority also approved the draft Humanitarian Demining Plan for deoccupied territories for 2026. The document was prepared considering proposals from all mine action stakeholders and the current security risks associated with Russia’s ongoing armed aggression.
Additionally, the meeting confirmed the updated personnel of the National Authority and its work plan for 2026. Summing up, Lieutenant General Mykola Shevtsov emphasized that the National Authority will continue to consistently develop Ukraine’s capabilities in mine action.
“This work will help reduce risks associated with explosive hazards and minimize the threat of accidents,” said Lieutenant General Mykola Shevtsov.
