Humanitarian demining: January results
February 27, 2025
Ukraine's demining needs have decreased by 5 billion dollars thanks to progress in land clearance — report by RDNA4. The World Bank's Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA4) confirmed that Ukraine has made significant progress in reducing the cost of future demining needs.
"A reduction in needs by 5 billion dollars is a tangible result of the work done. This means that thanks to the efforts of sappers, operators, and the entire mine action system, we have reduced the future cost of clearing Ukrainian land of explosive ordnance," said Ihor Bezkaravainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.
The RDNA4 report estimated the total needs for mine action in Ukraine. Thanks to the significant areas cleared in recent years, the estimated cost of remaining work has decreased significantly.
"The reduction in the cost of needs is a result of two factors: the increase in cleared areas and the improvement of operational efficiency. More hectares are being cleared with each passing month, and the cost per hectare is decreasing thanks to competition and the use of new technologies," explained the Deputy Minister.
Despite the progress, the remaining needs remain enormous. Tens of thousands of square kilometres of Ukrainian territory still require survey and clearance.
"The 5 billion reduction is good news, but it should not create complacency. The remaining challenges are still huge, and we need continued international support to achieve our strategic goal," emphasised Bezkaravainyi.
