Ministry of Economy reports on progress in implementing the Mine Action Law
July 24, 2024
Russians shelled the FSD office in Kharkiv: the building and equipment were damaged. The Swiss demining organisation Fondation Suisse de Déminage (FSD) reported the shelling of their operational base in Kharkiv.
"The shelling of the FSD office in Kharkiv is yet another reminder of the conditions in which humanitarian deminers work in Ukraine. Our sappers and international partners risk their lives every day, not only from mines but also from ongoing hostilities," said Ihor Bezkaravainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.
The shelling damaged the building housing the FSD office and some of the organisation's equipment. Fortunately, there were no casualties among the staff at the time of the attack.
"Our team is safe, but the damage is significant. Despite this, we will not stop our work — we are committed to continuing mine clearance in Kharkiv region, one of the most contaminated areas of Ukraine," stated the FSD representative.
FSD is one of the international humanitarian organisations working on mine clearance in Ukraine. The organisation has been operating in Kharkiv region since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
"Attacks on humanitarian organisations are unacceptable. Our partners risk their lives to make Ukrainian land safe, and they must be protected. We condemn this attack in the strongest terms," emphasised the Deputy Minister.
