12,000 hectares of agricultural land exchanged in Ukraine under state compensation program – Ukrinform

Humanitarian Demining Progress in Ukraine: 2025 Report

Overview of Land Clearance Efforts

In 2025, Ukraine made significant strides in clearing agricultural land of explosive objects under the state compensation program. A total of 12,000 hectares of agricultural land have been cleared, with contracts signed to clear an additional 17,000 hectares.

Contractual and Financial Details

The Humanitarian Demining Center fulfilled 61 contracts with auction winners throughout the year, with the total cost of the work amounting to nearly UAH 713 million. Furthermore, contracts signed this year for clearing over 17,000 hectares are valued at UAH 1.17 billion.

Key Achievements and Program Expansion

1. State Compensation Program: Marked its first full year, considered the main achievement in humanitarian demining.
2. Increase in Demining Operators: The number of operators nearly doubled from 73 to 134 in 2025.
3. Expansion to Households: The compensation program now includes owners or tenants of agricultural land affected by war, with approximately 1 million hectares qualifying.

Support from International Partners

• The contribution of international partners to humanitarian demining reached USD 1.5 billion.
• Additional commitments of USD 80 million were announced during the 2025 Conference on Mine Action in Ukraine, hosted by Japan.

Technological and Procedural Advancements

• Development of the GRIT digital platform for planning, prioritizing, and monitoring humanitarian demining continues with partner support.
• Simplification of the certification procedure for mine action operators progressed, with most processes now accessible via the Diia portal.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Clearing explosive objects from agricultural land directly supports SDG 2 by enabling safe cultivation and increasing food security for local communities and the nation.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Humanitarian demining reduces risks of injury and death from landmines and explosive remnants, promoting safer living environments.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The expansion of demining operators and the creation of demand for advanced technologies foster economic growth and job creation in the sector.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Investment in new demining technologies and digital platforms like GRIT enhances innovation and infrastructure for humanitarian efforts.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

International financial support and collaboration exemplify strong partnerships crucial for achieving sustainable humanitarian outcomes.

Conclusion

The 2025 humanitarian demining efforts in Ukraine demonstrate a comprehensive approach to restoring safe agricultural land, supported by significant financial investment, technological innovation, and international cooperation. These efforts contribute substantially to multiple Sustainable Development Goals, fostering a safer, more prosperous, and sustainable future for affected communities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article discusses clearing agricultural land from explosive objects, which directly supports food production and agricultural productivity.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Humanitarian demining reduces risks of injury and death from landmines and explosive remnants of war, improving health and safety.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The increase in demining operators and the creation of demand for demining technologies contribute to economic activity and employment.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The use of advanced demining machines and digital platforms (GRIT) reflects innovation and infrastructure development.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The state compensation program and certification procedures for mine action operators demonstrate institutional strengthening and peacebuilding efforts.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 2 – Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including through secure access to land.
2. SDG 3 – Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
3. SDG 8 – Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities.
4. SDG 9 – Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including encouraging innovation.
5. SDG 16 – Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Area of agricultural land cleared of explosive objects (hectares): The article states 12,000 hectares cleared and contracts signed for 17,000 hectares, which can be used to measure progress in land clearance.
• Number of contracts and financial investment: 61 contracts fulfilled with a total cost of UAH 713 million, and contracts worth UAH 1.17 billion signed, indicating scale and funding of demining efforts.
• Number of demining operators: The increase from 73 to 134 operators shows growth in employment and capacity.
• Number of applications from individual farmers: Reflects accessibility and uptake of the compensation program.
• International financial contributions (USD): USD 1.5 billion contributed, with an additional USD 80 million committed, indicating international support and resource mobilization.
• Implementation of digital platforms and certification procedures: The launch of the GRIT platform and certification via the Diia portal can be tracked as indicators of institutional modernization and innovation.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: ukrinform.net