Over 100,000 km² of Ukrainian Land Remains Potentially Dangerous - President's Office
The Office of the President of Ukraine has revealed that more than 100,000 square kilometers of the country's territory remain potentially hazardous due to the presence of mines and other explosive remnants of war.
According to a report by Ukrinform, the Office of the President of Ukraine released information on Facebook to mark the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. The statement highlights that over 100,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory continue to pose potential dangers due to the existence of landmines and other explosive devices.
"More than 100,000 square kilometers of our country still remain potentially dangerous. However, Ukraine is doing everything possible to enhance safety everywhere. Over 15,000 hectares of agricultural land have already been cleared. This year, farmers will be able to sow these lands again," the President's Office stated.
In addition, Ukraine is continuously engaged in clearing the Black Sea of mines and other hazardous objects. "Ukraine has already cleared over 168 square kilometers of the water area. We have restored shipping in the Black Sea and remain one of the key guarantors of global food security," emphasized the President's Office.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko also shared information via Telegram, noting that 1,431 individuals have suffered from mine-related injuries, including 146 children. This statistic underscores the serious security situation in Ukraine, where landmines pose a real threat to the civilian population.
"Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the demining units of the State Emergency Service and the National Police have surveyed over 248,000 hectares and discovered more than 1,112,000 dangerous items," the Interior Minister added, highlighting the importance of demining efforts.
It is worth recalling that the United Nations General Assembly designated April 4 as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. This day aims to raise awareness about the dangers of mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) and to promote their destruction. It also seeks to foster the development of national capacities in mine action in countries where mines and UXO pose a serious threat to the safety, health, and lives of civilians.
In light of the modern challenges facing Ukraine, it is crucial not only to conduct demining operations but also to inform the public about the dangers associated with landmines. Society must be aware of the risks and ways to protect themselves in the event of encountering explosive devices.
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