Kharkiv, Ukraine – The Kharkiv region has been facing a deadly threat since the full-scale invasion began, with 274 civilians falling victim to explosive devices, resulting in 73 fatalities. According to the press service of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, the mined land in the area continues to be a significant obstacle to the region’s recovery and development.
During a meeting of the Regional Office for International Cooperation, Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv RMA, highlighted the urgent need for unconventional methods and innovative solutions to address the issue of explosive devices. The efforts of the State Emergency Service (SES) and police demining units have been pushed to their limits, as they work towards ensuring the safety of the civilian population in the region.
Key stakeholders, including the leadership of the regional council, city council, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Oleksii Kuleba, and representatives from international organizations, gathered to discuss the activities of the Partnership for a Strong Ukraine Foundation. Supported by the government of Ukraine and seven partner countries, the foundation implements projects at both the community and national levels to aid in the recovery and reconstruction efforts.
In a significant contribution to demining efforts, the Foundation has provided over 350 pieces of special equipment to the Interregional Center for Humanitarian Demining and Rapid Response of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. Additionally, they have supplied 4,500 consumables for the destruction of explosive devices, with plans underway to deliver 8 remote robots that can be utilized for demining operations. The Foundation has also assisted in equipping civil defense shelters in various locations within the region.
To accelerate the pace of demining in the Kharkiv region, it has been estimated that 1,500 sappers and 20 special vehicles are required. The vast scope of the demining task includes clearing over 570,000 hectares of agricultural land, 343 km of national roads, 3,040 km of local roads, 800 km of Ukrzaliznytsia infrastructure, and 1,014 km of railroad tracks.
The ongoing efforts to remove explosive devices and ensure the safety of civilians in the Kharkiv region require a coordinated and collaborative approach from various organizations and countries involved in the demining process. The challenges posed by the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnance underscore the critical need for continued support and resources to address this pressing humanitarian issue.