Mine clearance is a top priority for the Government and the first step in Ukraine’s reconstruction. This was emphasised by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko during an online meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia Davor Božinović. The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Ihor Bezkaravainyi and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss preparations for the International Conference of Donors for Humanitarian Demining in Ukraine to be held in Zagreb, Croatia, on 11 and 12 October. The parties also discussed the current situation with humanitarian demining in Ukraine and the measures taken by the Government and, in particular, the Ministry of Defence and the State Emergency Service.

“We hope to get practical results during the conference. This event will become a platform for mobilising additional international support and resources for demining initiatives in Ukraine. Our international partners, the G7 countries, will be able to focus on discussing new approaches to clearing Ukrainian land of explosives,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.

The First Deputy Prime Minister stressed that each country could contribute to the demining of Ukraine, in particular by providing special equipment, training deminers or helping to enter the global market for demining equipment. Currently, there are 14 private demining operators in Ukraine, and a total of 26 special vehicles, with a need for at least 100 vehicles. The Ministry of Economy hopes to double the number of available vehicles by the end of the year.

Yuliia Svyrydenko also noted that the Government was working on the Mine Action Strategy for Ukraine, which would prioritise demining of infrastructure (power lines, roads, railways, gas pipelines), public safety and the clearance of agricultural land. Ukraine will present its experience at the conference in October.

Another important topic to be discussed at the conference will be the release of land from explosive hazards through non-technical surveys. The Government, in particular the Ministry of Defence, the State Emergency Service and international experts are already working on the relevant documentation and certification to enable foreign operators to enter Ukraine and join the rapid humanitarian demining effort.