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“Step by Step”: UNITED24 Launches $1.5M Fundraiser to Demine Schools, Forests, and Hospitals

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Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
Author
“Step by Step”: UNITED24 Launches $1.5M Fundraiser to Demine Schools, Forests, and Hospitals
Ukrainian sappers at work. (Source: UNITED24)

On April 4, marking the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, Ukraine’s official fundraising platform UNITED24 launched a major campaign to raise $1.5 million for humanitarian demining in three heavily contaminated regions.

The fundraiser, titled Step by Step, will help clear explosive remnants of war from several civilian sites damaged during Russian occupation: the Vysokopillia Hospital in the Kherson region, the Fenevytske and Makarivske forestry areas in Kyiv region, and a school, kindergarten, public park, and playgrounds in the village of Hrakove, located in the Chuhuiv district of Kharkiv region.

Each of these areas was heavily mined by retreating Russian forces. In Hrakove alone, Ukrainian specialists discovered that 90% of the village was contaminated, including the recovery of 178 butterfly mines in a single private residence.

Ukraine is now the most heavily mined country in the world, with over 138,000 square kilometers—an area larger than Portugal—potentially requiring clearance.

This widespread contamination not only endangers civilians but also cripples agricultural exports and development. Ukraine loses an estimated $11.5 billion annually due to mined farmland, exacerbating the global food crisis.

“When the enemy retreated, they mined every access road. Their greatest cynicism was in disguising explosives as civilian objects—like bags, suitcases, or helmets,” said Natalia Necheporenko, a forestry engineer at the Fenevytske Forestry.

“They also felled trees and booby-trapped them. Sadly, some people lost their lives to these invisible traps. Only about 25% of our forestry has been conditionally cleared.”

Children are particularly at risk in mined areas.

“Children have a natural curiosity for everything that is lying around and may look like a toy. Approaching and picking it up can also be dangerous,” said Kateryna Prymak, a humanitarian demining expert.

Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, who leads the national demining effort, emphasized that mine clearance is not just about land use—it’s about restoring safety and life itself.

“Humanitarian demining is about more than returning land to use—it’s about returning life. The scale of contamination demands innovative, unprecedented solutions. We’ve created a humanitarian demining market, launched a compensation program for farmers, and are implementing new technologies. Everyone can help speed up the demining process—because only together we are stronger,” Svyrydenko said.

So far, more than 35,000 square kilometers of land have been returned to use. Since its launch, UNITED24 has actively supported demining and engaged global ambassadors such as Timothy Snyder, Misha Collins, Mark Hamill, and others to help raise awareness and funds.

Those wishing to support the Step by Step campaign and help clear more land of Russian mines can donate through the official platform.

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