The conflict in Ukraine has already caused widespread destruction and large-scale contamination by explosive remnants of war. As fighting continues and populations are displaced, the need to address unexploded ordnance and landmines has become increasingly urgent.

Reports indicate that significant quantities of unexploded ordnance (UXO) are already contaminating urban areas, infrastructure and agricultural land across the country. UXO includes a wide range of explosive items such as grenades, ammunition, rockets and missiles that failed to detonate and remain hazardous. In active conflict environments, these hazards can accumulate rapidly, leaving behind tonnes of explosive debris.

At the same time, millions of Ukrainians have fled their homes, creating Europe's largest humanitarian crisis since the Second World War. While many refugees and internally displaced people are expected to return, they face the risk of exposure to explosive hazards concealed in residential areas, along roads and across farmland. Landmines are of particular concern, as they are deliberately hidden and can remain active for decades.

Mechanical clearance and technical support

In response to requests for assistance, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) has begun processing enquiries related to the provision of clearance equipment and technical expertise. This includes requests for the GCS-200, a remotecontrolled mechanical demining platform designed to operate in demanding conditions and to support faster clearance in both urban and rural environments.

Mechanical clearance can play an important role in addressing large-scale contamination by supporting ground preparation and access restoration, while reducing direct exposure of personnel to explosive hazards.

Impact on agriculture and food security

As winter comes to an end, access to agricultural land is becoming increasingly critical. Ukraine is a major producer and exporter of wheat and other grains, and the contamination of farmland presents a serious obstacle to resuming cultivation.

Delays in restoring safe access to agricultural areas risk compounding the humanitarian impact of the conflict, with potential consequences for regional and global food security. Clearance of explosive hazards is therefore not only a safety issue, but also a prerequisite for economic recovery.

Experience in explosive hazard mitigation

GCS has several years of experience supporting the detection, clearance and disposal of explosive ordnance in conflictaffected environments. The company's remotely operated platforms and international expert teams have been deployed in regions affected by war to reduce explosive risks and restore access to land and infrastructure.

As GCS Chief Executive Officer Philipp von Michaelis explains:

"We fully understand that the immediate focus is on military support. At the same time, it is essential to address the massive amount of explosive remnants of war that pose a serious threat to civilians returning to their homes."

Risk education for displaced populations

In parallel, GCS has been liaising with relevant organisations to support Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) initiatives for displaced Ukrainians. In Germany, activities are underway to provide refugees with practical guidance on recognising explosive hazards and adopting safer behaviour when returning to post-conflict areas.

As a GCS Project Manager notes, the aim is to ensure that people, particularly women and families, are equipped with the knowledge needed to reduce risk during return and resettlement.

Ongoing operations elsewhere

GCS's response is informed by current operations in other post-conflict environments. In Iraq, GCS teams are engaged in UNmandated clearance activities, including work on large contaminated areas where significant progress has already been achieved, enabling safer access and renewed use of land.

As the situation in Ukraine evolves, GCS continues to assess how its equipment, expertise and field experience can best contribute to mitigating explosive threats and supporting recovery where conditions allow.