Humanitarian Demining Leads to Recovery of Territories
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has announced that more than 40,700 square kilometers of land have been cleared and returned to productive use through humanitarian demining operations. This data was shared during the Ukraine Mine Action Partner Coordination Workshop 2026, an international conference currently taking place in Geneva.
Since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Ukraine has successfully decontaminated over 40,700 square kilometers of territory. In March 2026 alone, 876 hectares were cleared, and since the start of 2026, a total of 2,831 hectares have been demined. These figures illustrate ongoing efforts to enhance safety and restore control over affected areas.
Setting New Global Benchmarks in Demining
Colonel Ruslan Berehulia, head of the Main Directorate for Mine Action, Civil Protection, and Environmental Safety, emphasized that Ukraine is effectively establishing new worldwide standards in demining practices. He highlighted that demining in Ukraine is not merely about locating mines after hostilities end, but rather a daily process of adapting to ever-evolving security challenges.
“Demining in Ukraine is not just about searching for mines after a war; it is a daily adaptation to constantly shifting security threats.” — Colonel Ruslan Berehulia
Ukraine’s efforts to address the mine threat therefore reflect not only a commitment to territorial recovery but also a drive to implement innovative technologies and methodologies in this critical field. The outcomes of humanitarian demining represent a vital step toward restoring stability and safety in the region.
This progress in land clearance is a crucial phase in rebuilding infrastructure and enabling people to return to their homes. Given the prolonged armed conflict, successful humanitarian demining can significantly improve living conditions for populations in affected areas and contribute to national stability.
The adoption of new standards and technologies in this domain underscores Ukraine’s ambition not only to ensure security but also to foster international collaboration in tackling global problems linked to landmines and unexploded ordnance.
As Ukraine continues to make significant strides in clearing landmines, the scale of this operation is reminiscent of efforts in other regions. For instance, the recent report highlights how the area cleared exceeds that of the Odesa region, showcasing the extensive impact of humanitarian demining. Such comparisons underline the urgency and importance of these initiatives in restoring safety and stability across the nation.