Cyprus Trains Ukrainian Troops in Critical Landmine Removal as EU Tackles Crisis

Cyprus Trains Ukrainian Soldiers in Landmine Disposal Amid Ongoing Conflict

In a significant effort to address the devastating impact of landmines in Ukraine, nearly 100 Ukrainian soldiers have received specialized training in Cyprus over the past two years. The training, part of the European Union’s Military Assistance Mission to Ukraine, focuses on landmine identification and disposal techniques.

Cyprus, covering the training costs of 250,000 euros, has become a crucial hub for this vital skill development. The initiative comes as Ukraine grapples with the severe consequences of landmine proliferation due to Russia’s ongoing war. According to United Nations reports, landmines have claimed 399 lives and injured 915 people in Ukraine since February 2022.

The economic toll is equally staggering, with an estimated 10% of Ukraine’s agricultural land affected by landmines. Over 10 million people currently reside in areas requiring demining efforts, underscoring the urgent need for trained personnel.

Cyprus brings a unique perspective to this training, having faced its own landmine challenges from past conflicts. The UN previously removed 27,000 landmines from the Cyprus buffer zone, and the country now fully complies with the international treaty banning anti-personnel mines.

The five-week Basic Demining and Clearance course provides both theoretical and practical training using inert munitions. Participants learn crucial skills such as on-site destruction of unexploded ordnance and the use of metal detectors and prodders. However, the course does not cover advanced techniques for defusing munitions near sensitive areas, which require up to eight months of specialized training.

While the training program marks a significant step forward, challenges remain. Ukrainian trainees maintain a low media profile due to security concerns, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding the conflict.

The broader context of the landmine crisis in Ukraine involves vast areas requiring explosive ordnance surveys. International attention has focused on Russia’s use of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, while allegations have also surfaced regarding Ukrainian forces’ use of landmines, potentially contravening treaty obligations.

As the conflict continues, this training initiative represents a critical effort to mitigate the long-term impact of landmines on Ukrainian soil and protect civilian lives in the war-torn region.