Since Russia's full-scale invasion, landmines and unexploded ordnance have injured over 1,000 Ukrainian civilians, including 100 children, according to the Main Directorate for Mine Action, Civil Protection, and Environmental Safety.
As of November 1, 2024, the Directorate reports that 1,068 Ukrainians have been injured in mine-related incidents, with 968 of these victims being adults.
Among those affected are 199 farmers, 80 pensioners, 112 critical infrastructure workers, 79 drivers, and 90 students.
Ukrainian law enforcement agencies are investigating each case involving Russian-laid mines, citing possible breaches of wartime protocols and customs.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that Ukraine’s mine-contaminated land spans 156,000 square kilometers—over four times the area of Switzerland.
In February 2024, Ukraine introduced a standardized certification system for mine action operators to speed up demining operations.
To tackle mine contamination, Ukraine has deployed new demining equipment produced domestically.
Earlier this year, the first Ukrainian-made machine certified for soil preparation to locate and neutralize anti-personnel mines was introduced, with two additional units added by February.
In March, Ukraine partnered with US-based company Palantir to create an AI-assisted demining system.
