Over the year, the scope of humanitarian demining in Ukraine has increased by 50%

As of the end of June, 108 mine action operators have been certified in Ukraine. Compared to the previous year, the scope of humanitarian mine clearance — measured by the area declared safe — has increased by nearly 50%.

This was stated by Colonel Oleh Shuvarskyi, Head of the Mine Action Department and Deputy Head of the Main Directorate for Mine Action, Civil Protection, and Environmental Safety, during the roundtable.

“In addition, five national mine action standards are already in effect in Ukraine, and quality control in demining has significantly intensified,” noted Colonel Oleh Shuvarskyi.

He noted that the Ministry of Defence, in coordination with other agencies, is working to increase the number of teams responsible for quality assurance in demining: 

“Since the beginning of 2025, inspections have been carried out at 241 sites, covering a total area of 32 km².”

Colonel Oleh Shuvarskyi also reported that 139,000 km² of Ukraine’s territory are potentially contaminated with explosive ordnance, including 14,000 km² of water bodies. However, due to ongoing hostilities, humanitarian demining activities can currently be conducted on only 31,000 km².

Organized by the All-Ukrainian Union of Humanitarian Deminers, the roundtable included MPs, officials from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Economy, and State Emergency Service, as well as representatives of the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine, the Ukrainian League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, scientists, independent experts, and mine action operators. In addition, regular deminers who tirelessly clear mines and explosive remnants of war across Ukrainian soil took part in the discussion.