NATO assists Ukraine in removal of obsolete weapons in Donetsk and Luhansk regions

The event was marked by the presence of Ambassador Sorin Ducaru, NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges.

With a budget of approximately 1 million EUR, the NATO SPS project called “Support to Humanitarian Demining in Ukraine” was initiated based on a specific request from Ukraine. An immediate requirement was the replacement of equipment that was lost by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions as a result of the current conflict.

Through its enhanced ability to undertake demining activities SESU will provide a significant contribution to safeguard and protect the civilian population in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions affected by the conflict and allow the return of displaced persons.

SESU Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams will be provided with modern technologies of detection and clearance including dual sensor mine detectors, deep search and bomb locators, individual personal protection equipment and EOD suits, a range of specialist tools, lifting and lighting equipment, and munitions disarming equipment. These teams will also receive specialized training designed to enhance their ability to detect and remove explosive ordnance safely and swiftly. Thanks to a restoration of operational capability of its teams SESU will be in a position to cope with the additional challenges brought about in a high threat environment.