Tomorrow, April 4, we observe the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly, this day draws attention to the threat of mines and explosive remnants of war, as well as the importance of humanitarian demining and public risk education.
Today, Ukraine is the most heavily mined country in the world. Therefore, mine risk awareness is a matter of daily safety.
Together with the Ukrainian Deminers Association, we have prepared a selection of key facts about mine hazards and mine action in Ukraine.
Scroll down: here we have gathered brief and essential information that everyone should know. On the last slide, you will find a quest announcement and details on how to join.
This knowledge can save lives.
Let’s begin!
1. Ukraine is the most heavily mined country in the world. The area of potentially hazardous territories spans 132,076 km² – nearly the size of all of Greece. Mine contamination affects a significant portion of the country.
2. Animals in the search for mines: dogs and rats assist sappers. umanitarian demining involves not only people but also animals, including mine-detection dogs and specially trained rats. They are particularly effective in complex and hard-to-reach areas where the use of machinery is limited, such as forested terrain.
3. Long-term threat: why demining remains critically important. Mines remain dangerous for decades after they are laid. They can detonate due to soil displacement, erosion, flooding, temperature fluctuations, or even the slightest mechanical contact.
This is why the danger does not fade over time, and humanitarian demining remains critically important for the safety of communities.
4. Artificial Intelligence in the detection of mines and hazardous objects. Artificial Intelligence is actively used in humanitarian demining. For example, drones equipped with AI technologies can not only record the terrain but also analyze data and identify potentially hazardous objects.
This helps sappers detect threats faster and plan further actions more accurately.
5. Technology in the service of the sapper. In demining, robotic systems, drones, and other technologies are used to accelerate the process and reduce risks for sappers.
At the same time, they do not replace specialists, as it is the human who assesses the context, makes decisions, and bears the responsibility for safety.
You can learn more about safety and test your knowledge not only in theory but also in practice! We invite you to join the interactive quest by the Ukrainian Deminers Association – “The Unbroken: Mission – Safe Country 2.” The program includes engaging team tasks and the opportunity to interact with professional instructors. It is a great chance to spend your time meaningfully, learn how to respond correctly to danger, and compete for prizes.
Event Details:
- When: Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Where: 2 Kontraktova Square, Kyiv.
- Participants: Teams of 2 to 5 people.
- Conditions: Participation is free of charge. No registration is required – simply head to the organizers’ tent on the day of the event and start your mission!
