Ukraine Seeks Global Aid for Mine Clearance

Ukraine's leaders are urgently seeking international assistance for demining efforts, as approximately 25% of the country is covered with landmines and unexploded ordnance, making it the most mined country globally. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized at a conference in Switzerland that the estimated cost for comprehensive demining is $34.6 billion, crucial for improving agricultural production and aiding the return of displaced citizens. The conference, attended by representatives from around 50 countries, highlighted the need for training 10,000 deminers and the integration of advanced technologies, including AI-powered drones. Since the start of the war, nearly 400 civilians have died and over 900 have been injured due to landmines, underscoring the urgency of the issue. Meanwhile, Western support for Ukraine is reportedly declining, with a decrease in newly committed aid and challenges in securing funds from the EU and US. The Kiel Institute reported that total aid since February 2022 has reached at least 276 billion euros, but the contributions relative to GDP reveal a significant disparity among donor countries.