On the occasion of International Mine Awareness Day and Assistance in Mine Action, celebrated on April 4, Ben Lark, the head of UNDP’s mine clearance program in Ukraine, answered questions from the United Nations Regional Information Center in Brussels.
This British expert has worked in almost all conflict zones worldwide over the past 35 years, including the Balkans, Russia, the Middle East, and Africa.
“Is it fair to say that Ukraine is the most mine-contaminated country in the world?” Ben Lark responded, “Yes, that’s true.” As of December 2025, it was estimated that Ukraine had nearly 133,300 km² of contaminated land, representing about 22% of the national territory. This contamination dates back to the two World Wars, with a new wave of contamination now concentrated in the east of the country. The task of demining Ukraine is daunting, and estimates suggest it could take decades.
The significance of humanitarian demining in Ukraine lies in saving lives and supporting reconstruction efforts. The presence of landmines and explosives poses a direct and serious threat to the population, necessitating demining operations to ensure safety.
Thousands of personnel, including government institutions, police, civil protection, international and local NGOs, and private Ukrainian companies, are involved in demining efforts in Ukraine. The main challenges faced by the Ukrainian government include coordination of complex activities amidst ongoing conflict and ensuring sustainable donor support for demining operations.
The primary weapons contaminating Ukraine are landmines and a variety of munitions exchanged in combat. The conflict in Ukraine has seen the extensive use of drones, posing not only explosive risks but also environmental concerns due to drone-related infrastructure like fiber optic cables.
The UNDP supports national authorities in Ukraine by improving governance structures, providing equipment and training, and promoting the development of the commercial demining sector in the country. The use of innovative solutions such as AI systems for prioritizing demining operations is a key aspect of UNDP’s support.
While the work of demining is challenging and often requires starting over, the importance of mitigating the consequences of conflicts and contributing to humanitarian efforts remains paramount to those involved in these operations. With dedication and resources, progress is being made to address the dangerous repercussions of landmine contamination.
