KYIV, 18 December 2024 – The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has completed a second training course in mine action for veterans with disabilities.

Funded by Sweden, the course ran from 2 to 16 December 2024, and focused on the operation of mine-clearing machines, providing participants with experience of using a wide range of equipment employing a variety of demining approaches.

During the training, participants conducted field activities at two facilities: the Swiss Demining Foundation (FSD) and Global Clearance Solutions (GCS). They gained practical experience with mechanical demining methods, working with the GCS-200 demining system, the Croatian-made MV-10 machine from DOK-ING, and the Zmii light mine-clearing vehicle, developed by the Ukrainian company Rovertech.

The students also familiarized themselves with Ukrainian demining machines produced by the Kharkiv Tractor Plant (the MP5100 and MP3200) alongside demonstrations of the Slovakian-made Bozena, an innovative piece of remote-controlled machinery. The range of equipment was selected to highlight different approaches to mechanical demining.

Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Ihor Bezkaravainyi, emphasized the importance of this focus on mechanized demining: “We decided to concentrate on mine-clearing machines during this second course because this technology significantly accelerates land rehabilitation and ensures a safer process for deminers,” Bezkaravainyi said.

“There are currently over 150 such machines operated by the governmental, international, and private sectors, and this number is only expected to grow. Therefore, it's crucial for veterans to learn the intricacies of mechanized demining, as this is a career path they can pursue after additional training.”

The course not only imparted practical skills in operating demining equipment but also educated participants on national mine action standards, land release in humanitarian demining, and the fundamental principles of humanitarian mine action, including non-technical and technical surveys, mine recognition, explosive ordnance risk education, and planning mechanical demining operations.

Swedish Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Åberg also underscored the importance of this initiative, stating: “Programmes like these not only empower veterans but also contribute significantly to the overall safety and security of communities affected by conflict. The collaboration between the government of Ukraine, UNDP, and international partners is essential for sustaining progress in mine action.”

Reflecting on the broader significance of the initiative, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Jaco Cilliers said: “Integrating veterans into the workforce is a pivotal step towards enhancing community safety and empowering individuals across Ukraine. Our initiative is having a transformative impact on veteran reintegration, and it reinforces our commitment to the overarching goals of national recovery, for which mine action is a prerequisite."

One of the course participants, Oleh Kosenko, noted that the training was not only about acquiring new professional skills but also about understanding the value and mission of a veteran: “This is, without exaggeration, a unique learning experience that provides comprehensive knowledge about the field of mine action and a broader understanding of the problem of landmine and unexploded ordnance contamination in Ukraine,” Kosenko said. “Thanks to the successful combination of theory and practice, as well as the opportunity to meet with leading industry experts, you become fully immersed in the field, understand its importance, and find new meanings for yourself and for the country.”

Background:

The first course on mine action, held in August 2024, trained ten veterans, five of whom were subsequently employed as image analysts at The HALO Trust, the largest mine-clearance organization operating in Ukraine.

The project brings together national and international partners, including the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, the Centre for Mine Action, the State Emergency Service, national and international mine clearance operators, and various private sector entities involved in humanitarian mine action.

Media Enquiries:
Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org