Press Release | The HALO Trust
On the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, landmine clearance charity The HALO Trust, continues to rid the country of landmines and unexploded ordnance.
The minefield, which surrounds the eastern regions of Ukraine still occupied by Russian forces, is so long and wide, with so many fortifications, that it can be seen from space. Satellite images of these fortifications have been published.
Mike Newton, HALO’s Head of Region, Europe said:
“A large part of the economy of Ukraine has collapsed. Ukraine is traditionally one of the breadbaskets of the world, but the country’s prime agricultural land has been decimated by bombs, artillery shells, and landmines. Ukraine cannot be rebuilt until the landmines are removed. Life itself depends on getting rid of them.”
HALO estimates that up to two million landmines may have been laid since the invasion on 24 February 2022, making it extremely dangerous for many farmers to plant grain, sunflowers, and other crops during the Spring sowing season this year.
In the two years since the conflict began, The HALO Trust, which is the largest landmine clearance operator in Ukraine as well as in the world, has cleared over 19,000 landmines and other unexploded munitions across over three million square metres. That's the equivalent of more than 300 full-sized Premier League soccer pitches made safe, with finger-tip precision, by highly trained Ukrainian deminers.
Fields, schoolyards, housing estates, and pathways can now be used by adults and children alike, without fear of injury or death.
Newton added:
“Getting rid of the landmines is crucial for Ukraine’s recovery and it matters to anyone who knows what family means. No-one wants to see a child lose their leg to a landmine – it doesn’t matter which side you are on.”
The HALO Trust is actively preparing for more land to be de-mined. Large areas have been carefully surveyed with specialist equipment and will be handed back for community use as soon as it is safe to do so.
