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Ukraine, Italy, and UNDP Sign $1.6M Deal to Boost Humanitarian Demining Efforts
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![Photo of Liubava Petriv]( "Photo of Liubava Petriv")
Ukraine has signed a €1.5 million (approx. $1.6 million) agreement with the Government of Italy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to strengthen humanitarian demining efforts across the country.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy announced on June 19 that the funding will support the national Mine Action Programme, which is essential to the recovery and reconstruction of war-affected areas.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized that the agreement contributes to the implementation of Ukraine’s National Mine Action Strategy. The funds will help launch projects focused on clearing agricultural land, restoring infrastructure, reviving economic activity in liberated regions, and enabling displaced people to return home.
The financial support will also expand land clearance operations, improve information management systems, and fund specialized training programmes for people with disabilities, veterans, and civilians affected by explosive hazards.
Demining remains one of Ukraine’s most pressing challenges. According to UNDP estimates from 2023, demining efforts across the country could cost approximately $35.7 million. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has previously noted that around 174,000 square kilometers are potentially contaminated with explosive devices—an area containing farmland capable of feeding up to 80 million people.
International support for Ukraine’s demining activities continues to grow. Between 2022 and 2027, partner countries have pledged over $850 million to help address the threat of landmines and unexploded ordnance.
As of January this year, Ukrainian demining teams have surveyed and cleared over 35,000 square kilometers—an area larger than Odesa region. However, as of March 2025, around 139,000 square kilometers (roughly 23% of Ukraine’s territory) remain potentially hazardous, down from 30% in September 2023.
Previously, it was reported that Ukraine’s State Emergency Service has received 16 Deep Tracker Revolution drones to support underwater demining operations across the country.
