EU continues providing Ukraine with modern mine-clearing machines and demining equipment

Two GCS-200 mine-clearing machines and other specialised demining equipment worth over EUR 1.8 million were handed over to the State Special Transport Service by Rémi Duflot, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the EU Delegation to Ukraine.

This is the latest delivery in the framework of the European Union’s EUR 25 million support package for humanitarian demining announced at the EU-Ukraine Summit of February 2023. The package is designed to meet the urgent needs of Ukraine’s state mine action operators, ranging from basic equipment for demining teams to pyrotechnic vehicles and robotic demining systems.

Rémi Duflot, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the EU Delegation to Ukraine said “The EU supports Ukraine in meeting the challenges posed by mine contamination, including through the provision of urgently needed equipment. Our work together saves lives, gives hope and contributes to a better future for Ukraine”.

Brigadier General Oleksandr Yakovets, Head of the State Special Transport Service said “We are very grateful to our European partners for their constant support. These demining machines and equipment will contribute to faster demining of territories and reduce the risks from explosive remnants of war for the civilian population”.

Due to Russia’s war of aggression, Ukraine is among the countries most contaminated by mines and explosive remnants of war worldwide.

Earlier this year, the State Special Transport Service received a first DOK-ING MV-10 mine-clearing system, which was named “Nadiya” – hope. In keeping with the tradition, the two new machines will be called “Vira” – faith and “Lyubov” – love. Demining of areas liberated from Russian occupation is essential for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. It allows for the safe return of the civilian population and relaunch of economic activities, notably in the transport, trade, and agricultural sectors.

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