Ukraine will plan humanitarian demining of territories liberated from Russian occupation in 2026 using digital solutions, according to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Authorities intend to prioritize agricultural land based on data analysis and current security risks.
Russia continues its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, leaving many previously occupied areas contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance even months after liberation. Active frontline zones face ongoing contamination as Russian forces intensify their attacks. In 2023, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service estimated that mine pollution could affect up to 30% of the country.
Ukraine switches to digital planning for humanitarian demining
The Defense Ministry reported on 7 January that the National Mine Action Authority presented a new digital approach during its final meeting, chaired by Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Lieutenant General Mykola Shevtsov. Ukrainian experts and scientists in ecology, economics, geoinformation systems, and data engineering developed the digital platform.
Participants of the meeting also reviewed the results of demining activities in 2025. From 1 January to 30 December, demining units of the Security and Defense Forces surveyed more than 490 km² of agricultural land in nine oblasts. The units cleared 367 km² of explosive devices.
Authorities approve humanitarian demining plan for 2026
Members of the National Mine Action Authority approved the draft Humanitarian Demining Plan for territories liberated from Russian occupation in 2026. Officials prepared the document using proposals from all mine action participants and assessed current security risks linked to the ongoing armed aggression of the Russian Federation.
The Authority also approved its updated personal composition and its work plan for 2026 during the meeting.
Previously, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported clearing 66,267 hectares of liberated territory in 2025. Russian armed aggression contaminated these areas with explosive devices.
