Update from HALO Ukraine

Thirty months into the ongoing war, the people of Ukraine continue to face immense challenges. The fighting has left behind a trail of deadly explosive remnants, endangering families and communities across the country. Your support has been crucial in enabling HALO Ukraine to respond to these challenges, helping to clear the land and restore safety.

As we look back on our work in Ukraine, we are proud of the progress we’ve made, but much more remains to be done. As we increase our capacity, our commitment to making Ukraine safer remains stronger than ever. Our mission is clear: to help Ukraine by saving lives and supporting the recovery of communities affected by the war.

Since resuming clearance operations in April 2022, HALO Ukraine has achieved:

Before we can begin the vital work of landmine clearance, our teams conduct detailed settlement visits. These visits are essential, on-the-ground engagements with the communities we serve. During these visits, we meet with local residents, listen to their experiences, and gather critical information about the dangers they face. We carefully assess the areas where explosive remnants may be hidden through our technical and non-technical survey work, identifying the specific types of threats present. This process allows us to prioritize the community’s greatest needs and develop a tailored plan for clearance that ensures everyone's safety.

Since resuming clearance operations in April 2022, HALO Ukraine has conducted 9,765 settlement visits and identified 673 hazardous areas containing evidence of landmines and other explosive ordnance. 

One of our proudest achievements this summer was the release of more than 1,245 acres of land across six oblasts, benefiting over 134,000 Ukrainians and allowing families to rebuild their lives in safety. In the settlement of Pechenihy, for example, we cleared the banks of the Siverskyi Donets river, a once-dangerous area now affectionately known as “Golden Bay.” Families from the Kharkiv region are looking forward to returning to this beloved spot, and enjoying time with their loved ones without fear.

The story of Pechenihy is just one of many. In July, HALO Ukraine, together with the National Mine Action Centre, issued the first official certificates confirming the complete clearance of seven former minefields. Communities in Baryshivka, Kalynivka, Velykodymerka, and Makariv can now live and work in peace, free from the threat of explosive hazards.

Our work is also making a significant difference in Ukraine’s agricultural sector. In the Mykolaiv region, one of the most heavily mined areas in the country, we recently handed over nearly 90 acres of cleared agricultural land to local farmers. Mykolaiv alone has witnessed 75 accidents where people were injured or killed by unexploded ordnance. This land, once too dangerous to farm, is now being cultivated again, providing employment and food security for the community.

One farm, located in the de-occupied village of Novopetrivka, has expanded its operations thanks to the cleared land. Before the war, this farm employed 17 people; today, it employs 35. The farm is now growing vegetables and watermelons, helping to meet the region’s needs and contributing to Ukraine’s agricultural recovery.

As we continue our mission, we are focused on expanding our capacity to keep pace with the urgent needs across Ukraine. We are increasing our team sizes, enhancing our training programs, and working closely with local communities to ensure that our efforts are both effective and sustainable. Additionally, we are incorporating new tools and approaches, such as using drones for surveying, to further improve our ability to make land safe quickly and efficiently.

Innovative Research and Development
Advances in technology are significantly improving the process of surveying large areas for minefields and explosive remnants of war. This enables our staff to identify high-priority sections of land more efficiently, ultimately saving more lives and limbs. In Ukraine, we are not only utilizing satellite imagery but also collecting massive amounts of high-resolution drone imagery. This data has the potential to be analyzed by artificial intelligence, speeding up the detection of war debris, and identifying populated priority areas.

We are thrilled to be collaborating with AWS, as we trial the use of AI with drones to enhance our survey efficiency and capacity, as well as our global cloud computing infrastructure. This will allow our field data collectors to safely upload and store vast quantities of data, even when working offline in a minefield. These technological advancements, in tandem with the dedication of our staff and the support of our partners, are making significant strides in making life safer for those affected by conflict.

Thank you for your unwavering support. Your contributions have a direct impact on the lives of thousands of Ukrainians. We look forward to keeping you updated on our progress and achievements.

As we continue our work in Ukraine, your support is more important than ever. We are committed to expanding our operations, enhancing our capabilities, and ensuring the safety and well-being of Ukrainian communities. Your generosity has made our progress possible. Please consider making a donation to help us continue our vital work in Ukraine. Together, we can save lives and rebuild communities.