Poland has provided PLN 2.5 million (approximately USD 637,000) to support mine action in Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland signed an agreement with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Ukraine. The funds will be used to enhance security and stability in areas of Ukraine heavily contaminated by landmines and explosive remnants of war.

“We are deeply grateful to Poland for its generous contribution, which will strengthen Ukraine's security and help restore normal life to our affected communities. This cooperation is an example of the international solidarity needed to overcome the challenges posed by anti-personnel mines. By doing so, we are contributing to making Ukraine safer and strengthening global food security,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

Poland's contribution will be focused on innovative measures to free up land, including increasing the capacity to clear land of mines using sapper dogs. As part of this initiative, 16 specially trained dogs under the guidance of eight handlers are actively involved in the survey of large areas contaminated with mines in Mykolaiv region. About half of the funding is also earmarked for UAV testing and remote sensing, as well as field operations in cooperation with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.

“Ukraine is considered one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world. With this contribution, Poland reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Ukraine's security and progress, as well as its solidarity with Ukraine since the first day of the full-scale war launched by the russian aggressor. We are confident that our assistance will accelerate demining efforts and enhance the institutional capacity needed to address these challenges, while adhering to our common goals,” said Piotr Łukasiewicz, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Poland in Ukraine.

The funds allocated by Poland will also contribute to strengthening national mine action capacities and implementing strategic land release operations in the affected regions. These efforts are vital to restoring livelihoods and strengthening the resilience of war-affected communities.

“Poland's vital support is an example of the international community's commitment to Ukraine's recovery. These funds will help us to advance security initiatives and empower affected communities towards a future free of fear,” said UNDP Resident Representative Jaco Cilliers.

Background information

UNDP's mine action program in Ukraine aims to integrate mine action into broader humanitarian and development programs. In cooperation with international partners, government agencies, including the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, it focuses on restoring vital infrastructure, assisting victims and raising awareness of explosive ordnance risks in the affected regions.