Ukraine
Initially active in the Donbas, FSD is now working in the provinces of Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Donetsk and Kherson. Our workforce has expanded considerably to speed up demining operations in the country and meet the needs of civilians affected by the ongoing conflict. In parallel, large-scale risk education campaigns are delivered among the affected populations to prevent accidents.
New FSD recruits undergo practical demining evaluation before being deployed in the field. (Ukraine, 2023)
News
+650 FSD staff are active to clear the land from mines and unexploded ordnance in Ukraine
January 2025 / The fighting in Ukraine has left behind millions of thousands of anti-personnel mines, anti-vehicle mines and unexploded or abandoned ordnance which did not explode on impact. It is estimated that approximately one-third of the nation is affected. These dangerous remnants of war not only threaten the lives of civilians, but also obstruct humanitarian efforts, hamper reconstruction and prevent farmers from accessing their fields.
In total, more than 650 FSD staff are active in the provinces of Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Donetsk and Kherson.
To date, FSD has thirty-two clearance teams, nineteen non-technical survey teams and fourteen explosive ordnance risk education teams. Specialised machines are used to prepare the ground for clearance in rural areas, while armoured construction machines help with the clearance of collapsed buildings. Locally produced mine rollers certified by national authorities are also used to support our demining operations. In addition, twelve mine detection dogs are currently being trained with their handlers and will be deployed in 2025 to further strengthen clearance operations.
In addition, FSD is focusing on harnessing new technologies and constantly improving its geographic information systems. This refines the skills of our teams and strengthens our ability to intervene rapidly in other critical zones.
Since June 2022, FSD’s demining teams have secured nearly 1,539,841 square metres of land, including farmland, village areas, towns and vital infrastructure. During the same period, FSD teams surveyed more than 112 million square meters of land. Additionally, 394,347 women, men and children took part in FSD’s risk education sessions, learning how to identify explosive devices and how to adopt the right behaviour to stay safe in the face of this threat. Furthermore, digital risk education campaigns on FSD social media have reached over 6 million impressions throughout the year.
FSD is also providing technical assistance to the Ukrainian State Emergency Service (SESU) in the use of 22 ground-preparation machines.
We have been told at school not to approach mines and explosive ordnance and to report any findings to adults.
Artem
14-year-old pupil
Stories
News from Ukraine
OUR OPERATIONS IN UKRAINE
FSD’s teams continue their work to secure land in Ukraine, focusing on areas most impacted by landmines and other explosive remnants of war. This vital work supports reconstruction and enables affected communities to build a safer future.
Rebuilding After Conflict in Ukraine
In Kharkiv region, Serhii’s home was destroyed and his land left unsafe by explosive remnants of war. With tripwires in his backyard, even returning was a risk. As FSD clears the area, he holds onto the hope that life in his community can slowly begin again.
Women in Mine Action: Voices from the Field
“My husband was against it. My brother, who’s in the army, shouted: ‘What are you doing?’” Despite resistance from family and community, more women are stepping into humanitarian mine action. A new report explores what drives them, the challenges they face, and how the sector can become more inclusive.
Timeline
FSD in Ukraine
FSD’s involvement in Ukraine dates back to the beginning of 2015, in the Donbas region. The aim was to minimise civilian casualties by teaching people to “live with” mines and unexploded ordnance in relative safety until all contaminated areas are cleared.
In 2017, FSD began a demining programme to locate and destroy explosive devices in the same region.
In late 2019, a project was launched to increase access to education in conflict areas. When FSD staff visited schools and kindergartens for their mine risk education missions, they saw the extent of destruction of schools and the devastating impact of the conflict on the daily lives of children.
In 2022, as the fighting intensified and spread throughout the country, FSD’s activities were reoriented to provide emergency humanitarian aid (food, shelter, medicines, fuel, etc.).
As soon as the security situation allowed, demining and risk education were resumed.
To date, FSD is active in the provinces of Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Donetsk and Kherson.
FSD’s programme in Ukraine is funded by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Swiss Solidarity, the U.S. Department of State, the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, and several private foundations, Swiss cantons and municipalities.
SCALING UP FOR IMPACT
In 2024, FSD cleared 2.2 million m² of contaminated land across Ukraine and reached over 210,000 people through risk education, helping communities recover and rebuild safely.
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