Mine action and security after de-occupation: the role of drones, equipment and funds

After the de-occupation of Ukrainian territories, the problem of mines and explosive ordnance remains one of the most serious threats to the civilian population. According to international organizations, for every 1,000 square kilometers of the de-occupied territories, there may be hundreds of thousands of unexploded ordnance or intentionally left behind to delay the return of the population. Explosive remnants of war (ERW) pose not only a direct threat to life, but also complicate the restoration of infrastructure, agriculture, and social services.

The problem is compounded by the fact that modern munitions have varying degrees of stability and sophistication of detonators. For example, cluster bombs, mines with fuzes, and improvised explosive devices can remain active even decades after the end of hostilities. This means that the danger to civilians persists not only in the first months after the liberation of the territories, but for many years.

In addition, the mine threat is not limited to open fields or forests. Explosive devices often remain in populated areas, basements, roads, and even on the territories of enterprises. This situation requires a comprehensive approach to demining, including the use of equipment, drones, highly qualified specialists and coordination with local authorities and international organizations.

Post-combat demining is a complex and high-risk process that requires special training, certification and the use of professional equipment. In Ukraine, demining is carried out by state units of the SES, specialized private companies and international humanitarian organizations. Each of these entities has its own safety standards, procedures for detecting and disposing of explosive devices, which ensures that the risk to deminers and civilians is minimized.

Volunteers without special training cannot safely perform demining, even if they have basic knowledge of mines. Any mistake when working with explosive ordnance can lead to death or serious injury. In addition, unauthorized mine clearance does not comply with international humanitarian law and is prohibited by law, as it creates additional risks for society and violates control over the territory.

The demining process includes not only the physical detection and disposal of mines, but also the mapping of hazardous areas, risk assessment, documentation and training of the local population on mine safety. Therefore, the activities of professional deminers are multicomponent and strategically important for post-occupation security. It is the complexity and systematic approach that distinguishes professional work from amateur attempts and ensures the restoration of normal life in the affected regions.

Modern technologies have significantly increased the efficiency and safety of demining, and drones are at the forefront of this. Unmanned aerial vehicles allow you to quickly inspect large areas that have not yet been inspected by sappers and identify potentially dangerous areas. The use of drones with high-precision cameras and sensors provides detailed information about the type of ammunition, its quantity and location, which significantly reduces the risk to people. In addition, drones allow for real-time monitoring of territories, which is especially important in de-occupied territories with an unstable situation.

In addition to drones, demining uses robotic systems and remote-controlled mechanisms to disarm mines and shells. Such robots are able to work in dangerous and hard-to-reach environments: on the rubble of buildings, in dense forests, on mined roads and in populated areas. The robots are equipped with manipulators, sensors and cameras, which allows them to perform precise actions while minimizing the risk to sappers. The use of technology also makes it possible to plan operations even in difficult weather conditions or limited visibility.

A key aspect is the integration of drones and robotic systems into a single information network for mapping and analyzing hazardous areas. Data obtained from the air and from remote devices allows for the creation of accurate maps of minefields and UXOs, which greatly facilitates further demining planning. In addition, the technology provides documentation of the process for government agencies, humanitarian funds and international missions, which allows them to monitor the safety and effectiveness of operations, as well as support mine risk education campaigns for civilians.

The innovative use of drones and robotic systems not only improves the safety of deminers, but also accelerates the restoration of vital infrastructure and the return of the population to normal life. In combination with traditional demining methods, modern technology creates a multi-level risk control system that avoids tragedies and significantly reduces human losses among civilian and military professionals.

Charitable foundations and humanitarian organizations play a key role in supporting demining, but their assistance must be strictly structured and safe. Support can come in the form of funding for specialized equipment, drones, robotic systems and personal protective equipment for deminers. It is also important to provide training programs and certifications that improve the skills of specialists and reduce the risks of working with explosive ordnance.

Funds can also support the mapping of hazardous areas and the creation of information platforms to coordinate operations. Funding for analytical studies and the creation of databases with accurate coordinates of ERW allows state authorities and international partners to plan demining effectively. This approach minimizes the risk to civilians and ensures transparency and control over the use of resources.

A key aspect is to provide direct support without physical intervention in the demining process. Foundations should not become involved in mine-affected areas, as even a minor violation of safety rules can lead to tragedies. Instead, their role is to provide logistical support, organizational assistance, training programs and research support, which together increase the efficiency and safety of professional deminers.