Field training sessions are currently being held for participants in the second demining course, organised by the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by Sweden. Earlier this week, veterans practiced on the Croatian MV-10 machine by DOK-ING and the lightweight "Zmiiy" demining vehicle by Rovertech at a Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) training site. Previously, they had been introduced to Ukrainian demining and soil preparation machines from Kharkiv Tractor Plant (MP5100 and MP3200) and witnessed the Slovak Bozena in action. Later this week, field sessions will include demining machines operated by Global Clearance Solutions. 

“We decided to focus the second veterans’ course on demining machines as this technology significantly accelerates the clearance process and enhances safety for sappers. There are already more than 150 such machines in use by government, international, and private operators, with numbers continuing to grow. It's vital that veterans are familiar with the nuances of mechanised demining, as this is work they can perform after additional training,” said Ihor Bezkaravainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

The second demining course for veterans with disabilities began on 2 December and will run for two and a half weeks until 16 December 2024. Alongside hands-on training with demining machines, the 12 participants will learn about national mine action standards, land clearance in humanitarian demining, and fundamental principles of mine action.

“Integrating veterans into the labour market is a crucial step towards enhancing community safety and empowering individuals in Ukraine. This initiative has a transformative impact on the reintegration process for veterans and strengthens our commitment to the key goals of the country's recovery, which hinge on the implementation of demining activities,” said UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, Jaco Cilliers.

The Ministry of Economy partnered with the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, the Mine Action Centre, the State Emergency Service, and the State Special Transport Service for this course. Additionally, international and private demining operators, demining equipment manufacturers, international partners, and Ukrainian civil society organisations contributed to its implementation.

“Such programmes not only enhance veterans’ capabilities but also make a significant contribution to the overall safety of communities affected by conflict. Collaboration between the Ukrainian government, UNDP, and international partners is critical to sustaining progress in mine action,” highlighted Martin Åberg, Ambassador of Sweden to Ukraine. 

The first demining course for individuals affected by mines and other explosive ordnance took place in August 2024, supported by UNDP and funded by the Netherlands. Ten veterans of the Russo-Ukrainian war participated, five of whom have since become image analysts at The HALO Trust, Ukraine's largest mine action operator.