Representatives of the Demining Capability Coalition for Ukraine led by Lithuania and Iceland officially handed over to the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Ukraine the first part of the demining equipment, pick-up trucks and mine detectors, paid for from the Demining Coalition Fund.
The demining equipment purchase and transfer supports the goals of the Demining Capability Coalition for Ukraine led by the Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iceland. The Coalition centers on both the urgent needs of and the long-haul financing for Ukraine: standing, well-trained demining units with proper tactical equipment and gear that meet Western standards are planned to be developed.
“The equipment which has been transferred to Ukraine is much more than just a collection of tools, it is a symbol of our unwavering support to Ukraine. It is a step forward in eliminating the damage of war, rebuilding peace and giving back to the people their land. This is not the end of the journey, however, the first delivery of equipment is just the start. We need to continue marshaling resources and expertise, investing in advanced training and technology, and to strengthen Ukraine’s military power. We urge other partners, states and organisations to join this mission – we can reach the desired result sooner when we are together,” says Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
Ukraine is the most heavily mine-contaminated state in the world. According to data of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), unexploded mines and other types of explosive contamination in Ukraine has killed 360 people since February 2022 and wounded approx. 790. Mines not only imperil Ukrainian civilian population and the military but also agriculture – according to data from Tony Blair Institute, mine hazard causes the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Ukraine fall by approx. USD 11.2 billion on a yearly basis.
“Lithuania has rendered to Ukraine military aid worth of over EUR 705 million over the course of the past two and a half years and also committed to ensure a yearly support worth of 0.25% of GDP. This is a significant input in our fight for freedom and peace.
We need to understand that the longer this war lasts, the more territories will be contaminated with mines, that is why we need our partners’ help. We have to strengthen our air defence system and we need real long-range capabilities. Key Ukraine’s requirements for the battlefield are regular: we always need ammunition, armored vehicles, UAVs, and tactical electronic warfare systems. I would like to express gratitude yet again to the people of Lithuania, the Lithuanian Government and Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas for the support and assistance, we will march together till victory. Slava Ukraini!” said Minister of Defence of Ukraine Rustem Umerov.
The Collation Fund was kicked off this September, the first all-terrain vehicles and demining equipment arrived in Ukraine by the end of the month and were immediately put on track in actual demining operations. Pasak According to the Adviser to the Deputy Director on the European Peace Facility and Reconstruction of Ukraine, Central Project Management Agency, Head of Co-Create Future of Ukraine Artūras Žarnovskis, fast delivery of demining equipment is a priority for the Coalition that reflects Ukraine’s urgent need for aid.
“We have been implementing projects in Ukraine since 2017. Lithuania has distilled priority areas which could where assistance efforts could be the most efficient over that time, demining is one of such areas. Liife in Ukraine does not hold back even in the face of war, thus mine hazard for people safety and economic development of the country is a massive issue which needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency in order to prevent more casualties and pave the way for a quicker and more effective restoration of the country after the victory,” said A. Žarnovskis.
According to him, the Central Project Management Agency is implements three more demining projects for Ukraine aside from the Demining Capability Coalition for Ukraine. The experience has given the Agency invaluable competence and skills that it intends to apply for the activities in Coalition framework.
Also, trucks, demining kits and protective gear are going to be delivered in the nearest while on Coalition funds.
Background
The Demining Capability Coalition for Ukraine is led by the ministry of National Defence of Lithuania and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iceland and comprises 22 members. The aim of the Coalition is to strengthen and coordinate the present and future assistance to Ukraine in the area of demining. To achieve that, a Support Fund was established and put under management of the Central Project Management Agency which carries out procurement, oversees procurement contract and implements the projects. The Demining Coalition Fund was inaugurated in September 2024.
Info credit: CPMA
