In Ukraine, 30% of the territory – 174,000 square kilometres – is potentially mined. This is three times the size of Croatia. More than 6 million people are potentially at risk. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in an online speech at the International Donors’ Conference on Humanitarian Demining in Ukraine, which is taking place in Zagreb, Croatia, with the participation of Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

“For us, the ‘mine war’ is a manifestation of russian genocide. The enemy mines roads, forests, farmland, schools, kindergartens and hospitals, playgrounds and residential buildings. Nearly 250 people have been killed and about 500 others injured as a result of explosive devices. And the toll is rising every day,” said Denys Shmyhal.

According to the Head of Ukrainian Government, the World Bank estimates that the cost of the full range of humanitarian demining works will be more than USD 37 billion. At present, Ukraine has 3,000 deminers and 29 mechanised demining vehicles, which is clearly not enough.

“That’s why we have made humanitarian demining a priority and started to build an international demining coalition. Already, 40 countries and partner organisations have pledged some 300 million dollars for specialised equipment and other purposes. But we need an even greater mobilisation of the international community’s efforts,” said Denys Shmyhal.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine highlighted four main areas in which Ukraine needed support the most: innovative technologies, new production facilities with localisation in Ukraine, demining equipment and specialists.

Denys Shmyhal also noted that Ukraine was creating an organisational infrastructure for demining, forming an open market for services, and creating conditions for fair competition for private demining operators through deregulation and digitalisation.

“There are currently 19 mine action operators in Ukraine, 29 are undergoing certification, and about 40 more are in the process of preparation. We have established the Humanitarian Demining Centre for strategic planning and dialogue with partners. Its Supervisory Board includes representatives from countries with experience and expertise in the field. Among them is a representative from Croatia. A donor platform on demining has also been established, co-chaired by Ukraine, the UN and Japan,” the Prime Minister of Ukraine said.

In addition, Ukraine is developing a Strategy and National Mine Action Programme. Priorities include the clearance of critical infrastructure, private homes, public facilities and agricultural land.

Denys Shmyhal thanked all the countries and organisations that were helping Ukraine. He called on those with experience, capabilities and goodwill to join forces: “Demining Ukraine is a global project, an investment in Europe’s security, and a guarantee of peace for future generations.”