An international organization has suspended demining operations in Ukraine following the deaths of its staff members
Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) has temporarily suspended all humanitarian demining operations in Ukraine following the deaths of its staff members. The organization made the decision on June 25 to ensure the safety of its personnel.
The organization suspended its operations following a Russian attack that claimed the lives of two of its staff members.
“This is horrific. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected. Our top priority right now is to care for them, the wounded, and our other staff members both in Ukraine and here at home. We are all deeply shocked by what has happened,” said Secretary-General Raymond Johansen.
He added: “This attack highlights just how dangerous it is to be a humanitarian worker in situations of war and conflict. Unfortunately, this is part of a very alarming trend: humanitarian organizations like ours, which are protected by international law, are increasingly being targeted. Ultimately, this affects the civilian population that depends on our assistance.”
As a reminder, Norway will fund the repair of the Chernobyl sarcophagus, which was struck by a Russian drone.
International partners have announced the provision of 42.5 million euros for the restoration of the New Safe Confinement (NSC arch) at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, strongly condemned the Russian drone strike on the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, calling the attack “reckless.”
