In recent months, Ukrainian deminers have faced enormous challenges: from new types of mines to the massive volume of mined areas. At the same time, the technological component is growing - artificial intelligence, drones, new machines and broad coordination. This is a period when the brave work of deminers merges with innovations to restore security on the ground and bring life back.

In the first half of 2025, the Ministry of Defense reports the clearing of more than 41,243 hectares of territories, of which 39,402 hectares are agricultural lands. Almost 30 thousand explosive devices were neutralized. More than 162 km of roads, 93 km of railways, 48 km of power lines and 16 km of pipelines were cleared. In February alone, more than 5 thousand hectares were cleared, including 32.7 km of roads and 13.4 km of power lines, and the number of defused explosive devices exceeded 3 thousand.

Technical innovations significantly facilitate and increase the safety of work. In particular, in June 2025, the State Emergency Service received the MinesEye system - a combination of magnetometry and optical imaging, which allows for much more accurate and faster detection of mine threats. During the year, UNDP transferred six modern robotic remote demining machines manufactured in Croatia, France, the Netherlands and Sweden, which allow clearing large areas many times faster. In parallel, a test site is being created for the implementation of AI solutions in demining with the participation of the Ministry of Economy and Defense. Ukrainian startups, such as UADamage and PostUp (MinesEye), are actively developing drone and satellite systems for fast and accurate mine detection.

Human resources potential is also growing. In 2024, ten new demining battalions were created, and the number of mechanized equipment increased from 2 to 52 units. Over the past year, 17 thousand square kilometers of territories were cleared, more than 227 thousand explosive devices were neutralized, and the number of trained sapper youth exceeded 3,700 people. The social aspect is also important - about 30% of sappers are women, and the state is trying to support veterans and disabled people among deminers. From the strategic plans - increasing the number of specialists in state structures to 5 thousand.

Voice from the field from specialists emphasizes: modern remote demining machines, such as the MV-10, do not completely replace sappers, but significantly clear the territory of vegetation and prepare the ground for a more detailed manual search. This tandem of man and technology is the key to success.

Thus, Ukrainian demining is not only a dangerous but also an innovative field, where AI, drones, national developments and inclusiveness go hand in hand. Thanks to this, Ukraine has a chance to regain a safe land for its people and future generations.

Author: Brovchenko Anastasia