Austria allocates €2 mln for humanitarian demining in Ukraine
Фото: ДСНС/Facebook
The Austrian government will allocate the Slovenian organization "International Trust Fund" (ITF) 2 million euros for humanitarian demining in Ukraine.
What is the problem?
Russia constantly destroys Ukraine's vital infrastructure with missile attacks. Most of the country is contaminated with life-threatening landmines.
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, the civilian population of Ukraine has been suffering from internationally banned mines and explosive remnants of war. These life-threatening obstacles prevent Ukrainians from accessing the necessary infrastructure.
At the same time, mines complicate the use of agricultural land. About 10.6 million people in Ukraine depend on demining assistance.
Ukraine is contaminated with landmines with more than 250,000 km² of territory. This area is about three times the size of Austria itself.
What is the solution?
To overcome the acute humanitarian situation in Ukraine, Austria allocates 2 million euros from the US State Department. The money will be used to finance demining equipment for Ukraine.
No Austrian soldier will step on Ukrainian soil for demining as long as it remains a war zone. We are helping with financial support for demining and providing 2 million euros for support in demining, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said.
How does it work?
"Austria supports Ukraine with two million euros for demining. In this way, we contribute to protection against life-threatening mine explosions and help Ukrainian children to attend kindergartens and schools again.
We strengthen food security by allowing farmers to cultivate their fields again, explained Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler.
Ukraine will purchase landmine detectors.
The money will go to the International Trust Fund (ITF), which was established as a demining aid organization. The ITF is world-renowned and active worldwide in demining and disposal of explosive remnants of war.
In coordination with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the ITF should provide mine detectors for humanitarian demining in Ukraine.
Starting in 2022, Austria supports the "Support Program for Ukraine" within the framework of the OSCE in the field of humanitarian demining.
As for Ukraine, it plans to create a State Center for Humanitarian Demining, which will contribute to better coordination of work in the field of demining territories.
