Ukraine has achieved significant results in demining activities since the sectoral working group began its operations. This was reported by Yuliya Svyrydenko, the co-chair of the sectoral working group and First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy of Ukraine, during the fourth meeting of the group in Kyiv on September 30, 2024.
"Last fall, when the sectoral working group started its work, 174,000 square kilometers of territory were potentially contaminated by mines and other explosive hazards. We had 18 operators, about 3,000 sappers, and 32 demining machines. Since then, we have returned almost 35,000 square kilometers of territory to use. Today, 56 operators are certified, the number of sappers has increased to over 4,000, and 98 demining machines are currently in the field. All this has been achieved thanks to the joint efforts of all members of the working group," stated Svyrydenko.
Svyrydenko also expressed gratitude to the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine, Matsuda Kuninori, co-chair of the working group, whose term in Ukraine is coming to an end.
"I want to thank Japan for its proactive work in the demining sector: from participating in the development of the Demining Strategy to supporting Ukrainian equipment manufacturers for demining. Japan's contribution to demining efforts amounts to over $70 million and includes dozens of demining machines and heavy equipment, as well as thousands of units of equipment. This is invaluable assistance," noted Svyrydenko.
It was mentioned at the event that the number of members of the sectoral working group has grown to 69 over the past year. Since the first meeting of the group, over 15 countries have provided nearly $380 million in additional support for demining in Ukraine.
During the meeting, Deputy Minister of Economy Ihor Bezkaravainyi informed attendees about the upcoming Conference on Demining in Ukraine, which will take place on October 17-18 in Lausanne. He stated that this year, over 70 countries and international organizations, as well as more than 50 research institutions and demining operators, have been invited to the event.
Bezkaravainyi emphasized the expectation of a high level of representation at the conference.
"We call on partners who are still deciding on their level of representation to delegate participants of ministerial or equivalent high level. This will allow us all to fully achieve the conference's goals," said Bezkaravainyi.
Members of the sectoral working group were also briefed on the "Made in Ukraine" initiative in the demining sector and were informed about the current work of the Ukrainian government and partners in this area.
"We urge you to join the 'Made in Ukraine' initiative and purchase Ukrainian demining equipment, as Japan and other partners currently do. This presents an opportunity to achieve a dual effect: to make Ukrainian land safer and to support Ukraine's economic resilience," emphasized Svyrydenko.
Note: The sectoral working group on "Humanitarian Demining" was established in September 2023 as a platform for comprehensive coordination between the Ukrainian government and international partners in the area of humanitarian demining.
