Yesterday in Kyiv, Ukraine, representatives of the Lithuanian-Icelandic led Demining Capability Coalition officially handed over to the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine the first demining equipment purchased from the fund of the Demining Capability Coalition – cargo trucks and mine detectors were delivered to the country.
The demining equipment was purchased and handed over in the framework of the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence and the Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs-led “Demining Capability Coalition”. The Coalition’s focus is both on Ukraine’s immediate and long-term needs, with the aim of establishing properly trained and equipped long-term demining units that meet Western standards.
“This equipment represents far more than just a set of tools — it symbolizes our unwavering support for Ukraine. It is a step forward in clearing the remnants of conflict, restoring peace and returning the land to its people. But our journey does not end here — this first batch of equipment is just the beginning. We must continue pooling resources and expertise, investing in advanced training and technology, and strengthening Ukrainian military capabilities. We also call upon other partners, nations, and organizations to join us in this mission. Together, we can achieve more and do so more quickly,” said Laurynas Kasčiūnas, Minister of National Defence of Lithuania.
Ukraine is the most heavily mined country in the world. According to the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission, as of February 2022, mines and other unexploded remnants of war have killed 360 people and injured 789 others in Ukraine. As well as endangering the lives of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, landmines also hamper agriculture – according to the Tony Blair Institute, landmines are responsible for an estimated loss of around $11.2 billion in Ukraine’s gross domestic product (GDP) each year.
“During the past 2,5 years Lithuania has provided to Ukraine military support of over 705 million EUR and made a commitment to annually provide the assistance equivalent to 0.25 % gross domestic product. This is a significant input in our struggle for freedom and peace.
We must understand that the longer this war lasts, the more territories will be minded contaminated. Therefore, we need assistance from our partners. We need to enhance our air defence system and have real long-range capacities. The main requirements of Ukraine on the battlefield are constant: it’s ammunition, armoured vehicles, drones and electronic warfare systems. I would like to once more express gratitude to Lithuanian people, Lithuanian Government and minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas for his support and assistance, and together we will move to the victory. Glory to Ukraine!” said Rustem Umerov, the Minister of Defence of Ukraine.
The Lithuanian-Icelandic “Demining Capability Coalition” currently has 22 official member countries. They are free to choose the nature and extent of their support – combat, humanitarian demining or both. Support is expected to take the form of financial contributions to joint procurement and/or in-kind support, as well as through training for Ukrainians. Joining the Coalition does not preclude States from providing assistance to Ukraine on a bilateral or multilateral basis. The Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) has been designated as the administrator of the fund established to achieve the objectives of the Coalition and acts as the implementing agency.
The Coalition’s fund started its activities in September this year, with the first demining equipment – cargo trucks – reaching the country at the end of September and being put into use immediately for actual demining operations in the country. According to CPVA Advisor and Head of the “Co-Create Future of Ukraine” programme Artūras Žarnovskis, the fast delivery of demining equipment is a priority for the Coalition, as the country needs assistance immediately.
“We have been implementing projects in Ukraine since 2017, during which time Lithuania has identified priority areas where our efforts would have the greatest impact, and demining is one of them. Even in the face of war, life in Ukraine has not come to a standstill – the threat posed by landmines to people’s safety and the country’s economic development is a critical issue that needs to be addressed urgently in order to prevent further casualties and to help ensure a more efficient and faster post-victory recovery,” said A. Žarnovskis.
According to A. Žarnovskis, in addition to the “Demining Capability Coalition”, the Central Project Management Agency is implementing three other demining projects in Ukraine, which has provided the agency with invaluable knowledge and practice that they will apply to the Coalition’s activities.
In the near future, the “Demining Capability Coalition” will also deliver more cargo trucks, demining kits and protective equipment to the country.
