The European Union delivers a group of mine detection dogs to Ukraine

The European Union has transferred a third group of 12 mine detection dogs to Kyiv for demining operations in Ukraine, according to a statement from the European Commission Representation in Poland. The transfer ceremony took place on Friday, June 14, at the Lososina Dolna airfield near Nowy Sacz in southern Poland.

“Thanks to the European Commission project, one German Shepherd and 11 Belgian Malinois will support the Ukrainian army in countering Russian aggression. This is the third group of talented animals that save countless lives through their ability to locate and neutralize shells, explosives, and radioactive substances,” the European Commission emphasized.

The dogs were trained in Belgium, Poland, Italy, Malta, Luxembourg, and Finland, according to the European Commission. In Poland, they completed a 14-day adaptation course at the Carpathian Border Guard Unit, where Ukrainian handlers familiarized themselves with their new canine charges.

During the official transfer ceremony, a demonstration of the dogs’ explosive detection skills was held, followed by their symbolic transfer to their new Ukrainian handlers.

“The estimated budget for this project, which will continue until 2025, is EUR 3 million. In total, the European Commission will transfer 50 specially trained mine-detection dogs to Ukraine. The first group of nine dogs was handed over in March of last year, and the second group of nine dogs in November,” the statement said.

According to the State Emergency Service, as of December 2023, 277 people have died in Ukraine due to explosions from mines or other explosive remnants of war since the full-scale invasion began. Additionally, 608 people, including 74 children, have been injured.

Rescuers estimate that one-third of Ukraine’s total area is potentially hazardous due to landmine contamination.

radiosvoboda.org