Ukraine has formally requested international support through NATO to strengthen its humanitarian demining and explosive removal capabilities, in light of the extensive contamination generated by the Russian invasion. The request includes the supply of bomb suits, robotic systems, metal detectors, and protective equipment intended for specialists working directly on the ground.
The request, submitted by the Ukrainian State Emergency Service, has been forwarded by the NATO Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre to allied and partner countries, so that those who are able to provide part or all of the required material can convey their offers to Kiev.
Ukrainian authorities warn that the Russian offensive has left the territory "significantly contaminated with explosive devices," which poses a "serious threat" to the civilian population and critical infrastructure, and necessitates intensifying the tasks of locating and neutralizing this type of ammunition.
In this scenario, the Kiev government places humanitarian demining as one of the "strategic priorities" to advance the recovery of the country, strengthen the capabilities of its security and defense forces, and ensure the protection of citizens.
Among the requested materials are suits of different types for explosive deactivation, magnetometers capable of locating metallic objects buried up to six meters deep, remote detonation systems, and telescopic manipulators that allow for the inspection, movement, and neutralization of devices without direct contact.
Ukraine also requests robotic systems for reconnaissance and remote neutralization of munitions, with the aim of facilitating the detection and elimination of dangerous devices without exposing the lives of the specialized teams responsible for their deactivation.
Equipment for underwater demining
The request also includes specific equipment to locate and remove explosives in aquatic environments, such as underwater metal detectors, diving equipment with air supply from the surface, and ten autonomous underwater vehicles capable of carrying out inspection and search missions in areas with strong currents and zero visibility.
The State Emergency Service plans to distribute the equipment among its territorial units in different regions of the country, with priority for those that have suffered more intense Russian attacks.
The Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre will act as NATO's point of contact for monitoring the request and will be able to support the coordination of both the offers from the states and the delivery of the material. The entry points and final destinations will be jointly established between each donor country and the Ukrainian authorities.