Ukraine Launches Major Demining Initiative with International Support at Lausanne Conference

Lausanne: The Ukraine Mine Action Conference commenced on Thursday in Lausanne, Switzerland, bringing together political leaders from donor nations and private sector representatives to tackle the pressing issues of landmines and unexploded ordinances in Ukraine. The conference, highlighted by significant pledges and calls for global cooperation, aims at enhancing the demining operations in war-torn Ukraine regions. According to Kuwait News Agency, the Swiss President Viola Amherd, during the conference's inauguration, unveiled a comprehensive aid package aimed at bolstering Ukraine's demining capabilities. This package includes a financial commitment of 100 million Swiss francs (approximately USD 116 million) dedicated to humanitarian mine action. Furthermore, Switzerland will provide Ukraine with remote-controlled mine clearance systems accompanied by necessary training and support, enabling the Ukrainian teams to perform demining tasks independently and safely. President Amherd stressed the critical role of humanitarian demining in ensuring the revival of agriculture and the safety of educational environments for children, underlining Switzerland's longstanding dedication to mine clearance initiatives. She revealed the daunting challenge faced by Ukraine, where about 25 percent of the nation, or roughly 140,000 square kilometers, is littered with explosive remnants-a consequence of the ongoing conflict with Russia. In his address, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized the need for a robust international coalition to support Ukraine's extensive demining work, which he estimated could cost up to USD 37 billion. He highlighted the urgent necessity for such efforts to ensure the safety and recovery of affected communities across Ukraine. The conference is set to conclude with the "Lausanne Call to Action," a declaration expected to consolidate international commitments towards expediting demining operations not only in Ukraine but also in other affected regions globally.