Ministry of Economy opened the first demining auction: operators compete for state contracts

The State Emergency Service has received three light pyrotechnic vehicles "KOZAK PM-L", purchased with funds provided by the Government of Slovenia under the United24 initiative. Certificates for the receipt of the vehicles were handed over to the Head of the SES Andrii Danyk by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia Tanja Fajon, who is currently in Ukraine on a working visit. Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Nadiia Bihun also took part in the equipment handover ceremony.

"I am grateful to Slovenia, which consistently supports Ukraine. This is the second transfer of equipment in the last six months, which is extremely necessary for demining our territories. What is important, the pyrotechnic vehicles received by SES specialists are made in Ukraine. And this is additional support for the Ukrainian economy during the war. But the most important thing, of course – is that support for humanitarian demining projects saves lives," said Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Nadiia Bihun.

The tender for the procurement of light pyrotechnic vehicles was held in September 2024. The purchase price of the three units of equipment was about 38 million hryvnias, which is 3.6 million cheaper than the starting cost. Vehicles of a similar class have been used by the SES in their work for several years.

"In demining, the most valuable thing – is people. And such pyrotechnic vehicles allow saving the lives of our sappers, as they can safely transport mines and other explosive items. Tomorrow, all three vehicles will go to the zone of performance of operational tasks," stated the Head of the SES of Ukraine Andrii Danyk.

This is the second transfer of equipment purchased with funds provided by Slovenia. In October 2024, the SES received two tractors for transporting demining machines. An agreement on allocating 1.5 million euros for humanitarian assistance in the field of demining was signed by the governments of Ukraine and the Republic of Slovenia in December 2023. It entered into force on July 3, 2024, after the completion of the necessary domestic procedures.

"We are focused on expertise and innovation in the field of demining, which we willingly share with you. We are glad that we have the opportunity and financial resources to provide support to Ukraine over the past two years. And we will continue to do so," said Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia Tanja Fajon.

For reference: The Ministry of Economy is the administrator of the UNITED24 account for the needs of humanitarian demining. Over 190 million in hryvnia equivalent have been credited to the account since May 2023. The Ministry of Economy Commission on Determining the Volume of Funds to Meet the Needs of Humanitarian Demining is responsible for the distribution of money.