More than 20% of Ukraine’s territory is considered potentially contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance, endangering the lives of over 6 million residents. This data was released by Paul Heslop, head of the UNDP Mine Action Programme in Ukraine.
This is reported by Business • Media
“Every person on this planet is paying more for food and energy because of the war in Ukraine. And the reduction in prices directly depends on the return of land to use, which is impossible without mine clearance,” he said.
The Impact of Landmine Contamination on the Economy
Currently, land contaminated by mines in Ukraine covers about 139,000 square kilometers. This negatively affects not only the country’s agriculture and energy infrastructure but also global markets. The inability to fully utilize Ukrainian land is causing an increase in prices for food and energy resources worldwide.
To accelerate demining in Ukraine, advanced technologies are being used, including satellite imagery, drones, and artificial intelligence. However, the process is complicated by a lack of qualified personnel, population migration, limited funding, and irregular support from donors. Despite international donors pledging over $1 billion for mine action, this amount is insufficient for complete land clearance.
Achievements in Demining
In May, the state returned 660 hectares of cleared agricultural land to farmers. Additionally, demining has begun on nearly 1,350 hectares of land. Among the latest achievements is the certification of the first domestic heavy remote demining complex “HART 5100,” which is expected to enhance the effectiveness of land clearance.