UNDP Equips Ukraine’s State Emergency Service with Advanced Aerial Detection Technology for Demining Efforts

Mykolaiv, Ukraine – June 21, 2025 – UNDP, with funds from the Government of Luxembourg, gave the new Mines Eye system to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service. The system helps clear mines and marks a joint step to speed safe ground removal. The handoff took place at the Main Department of SESU in Mykolaiv oblast.

Innovative Technology in Action

Mines Eye joins a ground scanner with clear images from normal and infrared cameras. The free-flying system scans wide ground areas on its own. It picks up war mines—even those hidden under bushes. The system makes work faster and increases safety. Operators get detailed maps and warning signals before starting ground work.

Senior officials from the SESU, Mykolaiv Oblast Military Administration, and UNDP joined the handoff. They also celebrated the results of a five-month test run. In that trial, SESU teams checked more than 360 hectares in risky zones in Kharkiv and Mykolaiv oblasts.

Commitment to Safety and Reconstruction

Haoliang Xu, Acting Administrator of UNDP and UN Under-Secretary-General, said local ideas work with help from worldwide partners. He said, "Our goal is clear. We work to open land, rebuild lives, and support Ukraine’s recovery using smart, tech-driven and fact-based land clearance." Xu said the Mines Eye system works fast to return safe ground to communities. This action helps local work grow again.

The Need for Modern Solutions

Vitalii Myroniuk, First Deputy Head of SESU, said the new system lets teams check dangerous spots with great speed and care. "This tool helps us search risky zones fast, with care, and without risk to our staff," he said. He thanked global partners for their support, which builds lasting safety for the community.

Heorhii Reshetilov, First Deputy Head of the Mykolaiv Regional Administration, said the Mines Eye system works as a fresh aid for the region. His land has lost work because mines hurt farms. "This system reads threats from afar. It makes clearing work faster and, above all, safer for our skilled teams," he noted.

Broader Implications of Demining Efforts

The Mines Eye system will join the SESU work plan in many regions across Ukraine. It will help solve challenges in dangerous, hard-to-access areas. This step fits with UNDP’s plan to use new tools, boost technical skills, and work with national groups on mine clearance.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has become one of the most mine-affected nations worldwide. Some 138,000 square kilometers may hide landmines and explosive remnants. The threat endangers civilians, important work sites, and farming.

UNDP works with Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy and global partners to use new technology and ground support for safe mine clearance.

For more information, media inquiries may be sent to Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications at yuliia.samus@undp.org.

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(Photos and extra resources related to the event are available through UNDP in Ukraine.)