Humanitarian Mine Action in Ukraine: Mission Possible

In 2023 and throughout 2024 the Government of Ukraine has shown remarkable leadership in the process of setting up a proper eco-system of mine-action at the national level with several initiatives and processes launched ranging from mid-term Strategy on Humanitarian Demining (HD), coordination networks (both, horizontal and vertical) localized production of machines/robotic systems to high-tech innovations and artificial intelligence (AI) for HD. At the same time commitments of the international community to support Ukraine tackling the mine challenge also show strong determination and willingness of the partners to help Ukraine, with the new Mine Action Coalition set up under the leadership of Lithuania, and more in-kind and financial assistance coming from partners. We can confidently say that the mine-action in Ukraine and HD as a key part of it has become a crucial chain in the DNA of the reconstruction in Ukraine. With many of the processes on track, are they sufficient and up to the challenge? What specifics of these efforts undertaken against an ongoing war and constant missile attacks and shelling? What are new emerging tasks that have not been observed before and require more targeted and concerted approach?