Lithuania delivers major 470-piece demining package to Ukraine
Lithuania has provided Ukraine with 230 pickup trucks and 240 mine detectors as part of the international Demining Coalition effort, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov reports.
Ukraine is currently one of the most mined countries in the world, with estimates suggesting that up to 23% of its land may be contaminated by mines and explosive remnants of war. Clearing these areas allows people to safely return to their homes and resume normal activities without the threat of landmines. Various countries and organizations are providing funding and resources for humanitarian demining efforts
The equipment was delivered during Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas’s visit to Kyiv, according to Rustem Umerov.
The vehicles will be used for humanitarian demining to protect the lives of Ukrainian citizens. Additionally, it will enhance the mobility of demining teams working to clear territories for military operations.
The Demining Coalition, which now includes approximately 20 member countries with Greece as its newest participant, operates on two fronts: humanitarian demining in liberated territories and combat demining along the front line with Russian forces.
In October, Lithuania donated 14 M113 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine to enhance its demining efforts.
Japan’s Prodrone manufacturer pledged to supply Ukraine with advanced drones equipped for humanitarian demining. These drones, operating close to the ground, will use AI to detect and mark mines on interactive maps.
Switzerland also bolstered Ukraine’s demining efforts by providing heavy GCS-200 mine-clearing vehicles, capable of clearing anti-personnel and anti-tank mines.
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