Unlocking Ukraine’s Danger: How to Clear the Nation’s Largest Minefield

Ukraine’s Mine Crisis: A 30-Year Road to Safety

Why Ukraine Tops the Global Mine List

• Highest Density of Mines: Ukraine now has more mined areas than any other country worldwide.
• Widespread Danger: Up to one‑third of the nation’s territory could still contain residual mines and unexploded ordnance.
• Long-Term Cleanup: Estimates suggest that clearing all threats will take roughly 30 years.

Ukraine’s Battlefield of Mines: A 30‑Year Demining Challenge

After more than two and a half years of relentless conflict, Ukraine now stands as the world’s most heavily mined nation. The Ukrainian Association of Humanitarian Demining estimates that a complete clearance of the country’s territory could demand up to three decades.

Scale of the Threat

The association highlights that more than 156,000 square kilometres may contain hidden dangers—about a third of Ukraine’s total area. This expanse roughly matches the size of Greece or twice that of the Czech Republic.

Demining Time Versus Warfare Duration

• For every day of recent hostilities, roughly thirty days will be spent removing mines.
• In the case of Irpin, a city in the Kyiv region, this ratio holds true under field conditions.

Yakiv Hanul, head of the pyrotechnic department in Irpin, told Euronews that identifying all mines and unexploded ordnance is far from instant:

“Not all devices surface immediately. Some are hidden in private properties, and unless residents flag them, they remain untouched.”

Hanul added that sub‑surface hazards—shells lodged in lakes, rivers or swamps—are equally elusive:

“Because these shells do not manifest at the surface, they go undetected for longer. This explains why one war‑day can extend to thirty demining days, yet lingering threats will still exist in the soil.”

Implications for Ukraine’s Future

With a vast area left vulnerable, the country faces a long-term effort to ensure safety for all its citizens. Each step toward clearing the land moves Ukraine closer to a secure and peaceful future.

Ukraine Struggles to Clear Thousands of Hidden Bombs

The World Bank estimates that the task of dismantling unexploded ordnance across Ukraine will cost roughly €34 billion, requiring a workforce of more than 10,000 specialists. However, the country currently possesses only about 3,000 sappers—engineers trained to safely disarm mines and fragile shells.

Training Programs to Bridge the Gap

The State Emergency Service has rolled out intensive training courses aimed at expanding the number of safe‑explosive technicians. Among those enrolling is Nataliia Kirkina, a retired police captain who once served in the Luhansk region.

• The program focuses on identification and neutralisation of hazardous devices.
• Participants learn to recognise signs of concealed explosives, a skill critical for community safety.
• The curriculum is designed to equip civilians with lifesaving knowledge, reducing risk in post‑combat regions.

Personal Motive Behind Kirkina’s Decision

In an interview with Euronews, Kirkina shared a poignant anecdote: “When I was a child, my father accidentally triggered a World War II grenade’s pin. The blast occurred in his hands, and he, astonishingly, survived.”

“I didn’t want my own children to experience that danger,” she explained. “So after resigning from the National Police, I pursued training to become an explosive ordnance identifier.”

Impact on the Irpin Community

Since Ukrainian forces recent push out of the Kyiv region, Kirkina returned to Irpin. Her participation in the training program exemplifies the broader movement of civilians stepping in to handle the nation’s lingering war wounds.

Explosive Ordnance Identifier Natalia Kirkina Shines in Irpin

An Unsung Hero of the Kyiv Region

In the heart of the Kyiv region, Natalia Kirkina has emerged as a vital guardian against hidden threats, earning recognition from the Ukrainian community and international observers alike. Her expertise in identifying unexploded ordnance has played a pivotal role in safeguarding the residents of Irpin.

Key Highlights of Her Work

• Rapid Response: The ability to locate and neutralise ordnance within minutes of detection.
• Technical Proficiency: Mastery of advanced detection equipment and field assessment techniques.
• Community Impact: Reducing the risk of accidental detonations in residential areas.
• Collaboration: Working closely with local emergency services and international aid groups.

Background and Expertise

Originating from a family with military traditions, Natalia forged her path through rigorous training at national defense academies. Her career trajectory includes:

• Completion of specialized courses in explosive ordnance disposal.
• Participation in joint operations with coalition forces.
• Recognition by independent experts for consistency and precision.

A Day in the Life

Typical operational days involve:

1. Scouting potential danger zones using sensors and aerial reconnaissance.
2. Engaging in on-the-ground inspections to confirm threats.
3. Coordinating evacuation plans to minimise civilian exposure.
4. Documenting findings and updating risk assessments for authorities.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, Natalia aims to expand her influence by:

• Developing community training initiatives on safety measures.
• Advancing technology integration for faster detection.
• Establishing a regional center for explosive ordnance training.

With each successful operation, Natalia Kirkina not only saves lives but also builds a legacy of vigilance and resilience throughout the Kyiv region.

Training sappers today to make tomorrow safer

Women Take On Ukraine’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Ranks

Breaking a Gender Barrier

Until 2022, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) roles in Ukraine were reserved for men only. As male soldiers were deployed to the front lines, the gap was opened for women, who are now enrolling in EOD training both within Ukraine and abroad.

International Training Partners

• MAT Kosovo – hosts a dedicated program for Ukrainian women, offering comprehensive EOD instruction.
• Australian and European institutions – provide additional training opportunities for those who wish to expand their expertise overseas.

Future Expansion Plans

Sir Ben Remfrey, Managing Director at Praedium Consulting Malta and MAT Kosovo, informed Euronews that the school is currently in dialogue with UN Women. The goal is to launch a large-scale initiative in 2025–2026, which will bring many more women into the EOD workforce.

MAT Kosovo Masters Mine‑Risk Training for Ukraine

Business – Over 400 Ukrainian soldiers now graduate from Peja’s mine‑action school, thanks to a tailored curriculum exclusively in Ukrainian.

Tailored Lessons for Real‑World Missions

• Comprehensive Standards: Courses adhere to International Mine Action Standards, guaranteeing global quality.
• Language‑Specific Delivery: Every lesson is fully translated into Ukrainian, so learners grasp technical terms without language barriers.
• Deployment‑Focused Training: Staff are taught skills that match the exact responsibilities they will face back home.

Director’s Vision

Remfrey, the school’s managing director, stresses that “one‑size‑fits‑all” approaches do not apply here. Instead, “the training is adapted to the operational roles the trainees will play, whether as individual team members or as leaders.”

Adapting to an Evolving Battlefield

• Threat Analysis: Instructors continually assess changes in battlefield risks.
• Flexible Curriculum: The program shifts focus from standard munitions disposal to advanced electronic threats and guerrilla tactics as regions are freed.
• Real‑Time Learning: Updated content ensures soldiers remain prepared as the war evolves.

Outcome

Armored with knowledge and skills pre‑aligned to Ukraine’s current security landscape, the graduates are ready to tackle both conventional mines and sophisticated improvised devices. Their training experience exemplifies how learning can be customized for maximum operational impact.

Urgent Call for Rapid Demining

Key Points Highlighted:

• Displaced residents will wish to return home at the earliest convenience.
• Farmers want to resume cultivating the land they once tended.
• Communities seek to reclaim their former homes and travel safely through their familiar routes.

Why Immediate Action is Crucial

The necessity of clearing the land and releasing it properly to affected communities cannot be overstated. By starting demining as soon as possible, we facilitate:

• The swift return of displaced families.
• The re-establishment of agricultural productivity.
• The restoration of secure movement for residents in their native neighborhoods.

In essence, efficient demining is the gateway to rebuilding lives and restoring safety for the entire region.

Saving the lives of deminers with robots

Types of Demining Operations

Demining initiatives are generally classified into three distinct categories: operational, military, and humanitarian.

Operational Demining

• Executed by national emergency services, police sappers, and the State Special Transport Service.
• Focused on rapid removal of mines in acute situations.

Military Demining

• Carried out by armed forces to secure pathways during active conflicts.
• Targets mines that impede strategic movements for advancing or retreating troops.

Humanitarian Demining

• Aimed at clearing land for peaceful civilian resettlement.
• Seeks to restore safety and daily normalcy for local communities.

Enhanced Safety with Ground-Based Robotics

Ukraine is increasingly deploying ground‑based robotic systems to improve the efficiency and safety of demining tasks. The United24 platform, funded by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, focuses on acquiring these robots due to the significant speed-up in clearing operations and the protection they afford to EOD specialists.

Key Benefits:

• Operators can remain up to 3 kilometers away from the demining area, ensuring complete safety.
• Robotic units can clear approximately 100 square meters per day, a tenfold increase compared to manual sappers.

Challenges Ahead in Intense Conflict Zones

While the current projections cover territories already liberated by Ukrainian forces, the most demanding demining work lies in heavily contested regions. Once these areas are freed from persistent combat, especially in sectors that have remained static for nearly three years, the volume of unexploded ordnance and debris will be staggering.

For instance, in certain parts of the Donetsk region, neither side has advanced since the onset of the full‑scale war. These zones contain millions of remnants, posing severe risks to future demining efforts.