Deminers in Ukraine: Challenges and prospects in demining

Ukraine is facing an acute shortage of sappers needed to effectively clear areas contaminated by explosive ordnance. According to Deputy Minister of Economy Ihor Bezkaravaynyi, the country currently employs only 3,500 deminers, which is not enough to meet the current humanitarian demining challenges.

According to Bezkaravaynyi's statement in an interview with Ukrinform, the large number of sappers, although impressive in scale, is still not enough for Ukraine's needs. It is noted that even if specialists from all over the world are attracted, this will not solve the problem in full.

There are both governmental and non-governmental mine action operators in the country, their number reaches about 15. However, the market is unified, there is demand, and there are companies willing to pay for demining services. The goal of the government and the Ministry of Economy is to establish sustainable relations between customers of demining services and companies willing to provide these services in accordance with Ukrainian standards.

The deputy minister explained that to obtain the status of a mine action operator, one must have a registered legal entity in Ukraine. The companies can conduct technical surveys of the territory, collect evidence of the danger and identify it on a map, as well as clearance of explosive objects. Equipment and staff qualifications are also important for obtaining the certificate.

In particular, the sapper profession has become popular in Ukraine due to the threat of mining. The State Employment Service has already begun issuing vouchers for training in this specialty, recognizing the importance of this area and supporting the development of demining production in the country.