In a Cypriot National Guard camp, Ukrainian armed forces personnel are undergoing specialized training to identify, locate, and safely dispose of landmines and other unexploded munitions that pose a significant threat in their war-torn country. Ukraine has been severely impacted by landmines and discarded explosives due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, nearly 400 people have lost their lives, and over 900 have been injured by landmines and other munitions. The economic repercussions are substantial, with billions in losses to the Ukrainian economy and agricultural land left uncultivated due to the presence of explosives.
Cyprus has extended a helping hand by offering its facilities as part of the European Union's Military Assistance Mission to Ukraine. Over the past two years, close to 100 Ukrainian personnel have participated in three training cycles, with the Cyprus government covering the training costs.
The training program in Cyprus stems from the nation's own history with landmines dating back to its division five decades ago. Despite progress in removing landmines, challenges persist on both sides of the divided island.
Ukrainian trainees undergo a rigorous five-week Basic Demining and Clearance course in Cyprus, which includes theoretical and practical training on handling various explosive munitions. The hands-on training involves the use of inert munitions identical to real explosives, preparing the trainees for on-site disposal tasks upon their return.
The training emphasizes the safe handling of explosives, metal detection, and the use of specialized tools to detect and dispose of landmines and other ordnance. The trainees are divided into groups and trained by experts from EU countries in forested and urban settings, following strict safety protocols.
According to a report by ACAPS, a significant portion of Ukraine's territory requires demining efforts, affecting over 10 million people. The report also highlights the use of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines by Russian forces, in violation of international law.
While challenges persist, the training in Cyprus equips Ukrainian personnel with essential skills to address the landmine crisis in their country and protect civilian lives from the dangers of unexploded munitions.
