Humanitarian demining in the Zaporizhzhia region is currently impossible due to shelling
The territory of Zaporizhzhia Oblast remains heavily contaminated with explosive ordnance; however, due to the constant threat of shelling, State Emergency Service specialists are unable to carry out humanitarian demining operations.
This was reported by Oleksiy Bezverkhniy, chief specialist of the Humanitarian Demining Department of the State Emergency Service in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
“Unfortunately, due to the security situation, humanitarian demining is impossible. Conducting such operations within a 20-kilometer zone is strictly prohibited by international standards. We respond to all requests regarding the destruction of dangerous objects, but humanitarian demining specifically requires a large number of personnel to remain in one area for an extended period. The enemy will notice this, and there is a risk of an attack,” Bezverkhniy explained.
The pyrotechnic units of the State Emergency Service work every day. Residents of the region, especially in frontline settlements, find artillery shells, mines, hand grenades, drone-dropped ordnance, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), rockets, and other explosive objects, many of which are equipped with self-destruct mechanisms. PTM-3 anti-tank mines are particularly dangerous, as they can explode when vehicles approach.
Since the start of the war, pyrotechnicians have responded to 4,273 calls, destroying 18,175 explosive devices. In 2026, 629 response calls from the public have already been carried out, during which 787 items were destroyed. “Petal” anti-personnel mines are also being detected, which the enemy uses as warheads for “Molniya”-type UAVs.
The State Emergency Service emphasizes that the entire area within 20 km of the contact line is potentially dangerous. Following heavy shelling in Zaporizhzhia, remnants of drones, unexploded “Shahed” drones, and missile debris are frequently found.
Earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers simplified the conditions for agricultural producers to receive state funding for humanitarian demining of their lands. The changes are intended to accelerate the resumption of field cultivation and ensure the safety of farmers.
Ukraine and Lebanon will establish an agricultural hub and strengthen cooperation in the field of demining.
As a reminder, as part of a trip to the Middle East, Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga visited Lebanon together with Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitaliy Koval.
Lebanon has also opened its market to imports of farm animals from Ukraine.
