During a conference in Switzerland, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal called for international assistance to address the significant landmine problem affecting nearly a quarter of Ukraine’s territory. Since the onset of the Russian invasion, landmines have resulted in the deaths of 399 civilians.
According to U.N. estimates, the demining efforts will require approximately $34.6 billion. Switzerland is providing financial support and specialized equipment, while the U.S. is exploring additional partnerships to bolster these efforts. Advanced technologies, including AI-powered drones, are being utilized to expedite the demining process, with the goal of clearing the land by 2033.
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On the ground, Russian forces have reportedly captured two villages in eastern Ukraine—Krasnyi Yar in the Donetsk region and Nevske in the Luhansk region, as reported by the Russian state-run news agency TASS. Intense fighting continues in the Kurakhove area, where Russian forces launched 42 assaults, though Ukrainian troops managed to repel 16 of these attacks.
Additionally, Russian aircraft have conducted seven attacks on Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region, deploying nine guided bombs, yet Ukrainian military forces maintain control in several areas of the occupied Russian oblast.
In related news, TASS reported the assassination of a Russian military officer who recently returned from Ukraine, believed to be part of an organized hit in the Moscow region. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha labeled North Korean involvement in the conflict a “huge threat of escalation,” urging the international community to impose tougher sanctions and isolate Pyongyang.
Key Points from Ukraine’s PM Call for Demining Support
- Landmine Crisis: Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal highlighted the urgent need for international assistance to clear landmines that cover nearly 25% of Ukraine, which have killed 399 civilians since the Russian invasion.
- Financial Needs: U.N. estimates indicate that the demining efforts will require around $34.6 billion.
- International Support: Switzerland is providing funding and specialized equipment, while the U.S. is exploring partnerships to support demining initiatives.
- Use of Technology: Advanced technologies, including AI-powered drones, are being employed to accelerate the demining process, with a target completion date of 2033.
- Ongoing Conflict: Russian forces have captured villages in eastern Ukraine, with fierce fighting reported in the Kurakhove area, despite Ukrainian troops pushing back against many attacks.
- Military Developments: Russian aircraft have launched several attacks in the Kursk region, but Ukrainian forces continue to maintain control over several territories.
- Geopolitical Concerns: Ukraine’s Foreign Minister has identified North Korea’s involvement in the conflict as a significant threat, calling for increased sanctions and isolation of Pyongyang.
