Colonel Yevhenii Zubarevskyi, Deputy Head of the Department of Mine Action Main of the Directorate of Mine Action, Civil Protection, and Environmental Safety, made this statement at the scientific conference “Restoration of Land and Soil after Demining.”

“Following mine clearance, our experts conduct research in these areas to identify the most effective methods for restoring community territories, forests, woodlines, and agricultural lands,” stated Yevhenii Zubarevskyi.

He highlighted that one of the main challenges in demining is the constant threat of new shelling attacks. The aggressor employs cluster munitions and mines, which can result in the recontamination of previously cleared areas.

Attendees at the scientific conference highlighted that russia utilizes the natural environment as a method of warfare, leading to the devastation of human habitats.

Major Vladyslav Dudar, who represents the Environmental Safety Department of the Main Directorate of Mine Action, Civil Protection, and Environmental Safety, reported that in certain regions, as many as 80 000 enemy artillery shots are documented monthly.

“In specific locations, 550 artillery shells fired by the occupiers were recorded per square kilometer in a single day.” In such areas, experts from the Center of Excellence for Mine Action and Environmental Safety uncover remnants of various hazardous chemical compounds, heavy metals, and other decay products from explosive substances,” added Vladyslav Dudar.

He pointed out that experts are constantly analyzing the quality of the soil in the areas that have been cleaned. “These types of research are currently underway in the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions.

Experts are making efforts to equip landowners with techniques for promptly revitalizing damaged sites and estimating the costs associated with land rehabilitation. These efforts aim to mitigate the environmental damage caused by the war in Ukraine.