In the margins of the EU-Ukraine Summit taking place in Kyiv on Friday, High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) Josep Borrell announced an additional programme of up to €25 million to support Ukraine’s de-mining of the liberated territories temporarily occupied by Russian armed forces.

“A large spread of mines and other explosive ordnances is being found in territories liberated by Ukrainian Armed Forces. We will provide up to EUR 25 million to support demining efforts in these endangered areas. Protecting civilians and their livelihood is a priority.”, said HR/VP Borrell [full transcript available here]

These mines and explosives left behind constitute a danger long after the aggressor was forced to retreat. It threatens returning civilian populations and the revival of economic activity, especially in the transport, and agricultural sectors. Demining is therefore very important so that the reconstruction can proceed safely.

The additional funding announced today will include essential equipment for Ukrainian state mine action operators and support the capacities of the Ukrainian authorities to effectively manage the national mine action sector.

The additional EU support will strengthen the capacities of the Ukrainian authorities to address large-scale contamination caused by mines and explosive remnants in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Background

Large scale contamination of land threatens returning civilian populations and first responders, and hinders the use and rebuilding of crucial civilian infrastructure. It also hampers the return of economic activity, notably in the transport, trade, and agricultural sectors. In response to the massive needs, the Ukrainian authorities run extensive survey and clearance activities and need to ensure compliance with international mine action standards, requiring important planning and coordination capacities as well as specialised expertise and demining equipment.

This new action underlines once more that the EU will stand by Ukraine for as long as it takes also in tackling the long-term consequences of Russia’s war of aggression.