Protecting Civilians: Norway’s Support for Mine Clearance in Ukraine
The war in Ukraine has left vast quantities of landmines and unexploded ordnance, with estimates suggesting that as much as one-third of the country may be contaminated. To protect civilians and pave the way for reconstruction, Norway supports mine clearance efforts through Norwegian People’s Aid (Norsk Folkehjelp).
The UN estimates that up to one-third of Ukraine could be contaminated with explosives, making it one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Clearing these hazards is therefore critical to saving lives, ensuring the safe return of displaced people, and restoring vital infrastructure. The scale of contamination is unprecedented in Europe since World War II, and it may take decades to remove every threat.
– I have been a deminer for two months. It is my duty to help in some way. I have found eight landmines so far. That could be eight lives I have saved, says deminer Veronika.
Clearing over 660,000 square meters of mines
Norway has been a leading contributor to mine and unexploded ordnance clearance in Ukraine by providing direct support to Norwegian People’s Aid. This assistance has facilitated:
- The surveying and clearance of more than 660,000 square meters of land contaminated with mines and other explosives
- Equipping Ukrainian demining teams with vehicles, protective gear, and specialized detection tools
- Training and support for Ukrainian partners in the use of mine detection dogs, provided by Norwegian People’s Aid’s training center in Sarajevo
- Comprehensive Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) for residents of the most affected areas
Support for Norwegian People's Aid has made it possible to map and clear over 660,000 square meters of minefields and explosive-affected areas.
Norwegian People’s Aid has also set up field offices in Sumy and Mykolaiv. By the end of January 2025, its demining program employed 386 staff, over 90 percent of whom are Ukrainian. These teams include 16 survey units and 20 active clearance units—four of which are canine teams specially trained for detection.
Innovation and local involvement
To meet Ukraine’s immense needs, Norwegian People’s Aid collaborates closely with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU). This partnership goes beyond funding, encompassing strategic planning, training, and innovation. Norwegian People’s Aid is currently the only organization authorized to use all available clearance methods—manual, canine, and mechanized—providing a notable efficiency boost.
Because mine clearance takes time, local involvement is crucial. By engaging local communities and offering preventive safety training, accidents can be averted, and residents become active participants in rebuilding their own neighborhoods. Ukrainians have demonstrated remarkable resilience: even as they contend with the everyday realities of war, they also contribute to projects that remove explosive threats from homes and farmland.
– I was an accountant, bookkeeper and cashier at a store until recently when I joined NPA. My country is at war and I want to contribute, says deminer Yana Tymoshenko.
A safer Ukraine for the future
Norway’s financial support for Norwegian People’s Aid in Ukraine is part of a broader effort to provide humanitarian assistance and foster stability in the region. By investing in mine clearance, Norway helps Ukrainian communities rebuild, ensures that displaced families can return home safely, and supports Ukraine’s journey toward a more secure future.
The results stories on the webpage of the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine are based on texts produced and shared by the civilian and humanitarian partners of the programme. The stories represent a snapshot of the results achieved to showcase the difference the Norwegian support is making. Read more stories.