As explosive contamination continues to affect large areas of southern Ukraine, expanding the number of trained and accredited deminers remains a priority for safe land release and recovery. Clearance operations depend not only on equipment, but on personnel who are trained to recognised standards and able to operate safely in complex environments.

In November 2023, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) completed a pre-accreditation training programme for deminers in Mykolaiv, supporting the development of local clearance capacity ahead of the winter season.

Training focused on safe and structured clearance

The month-long retraining course, delivered by GCS Technical Advisors, focused on the identification, planning and management of explosive ordnance clearance tasks in contaminated areas. Training addressed how to recognise different types of explosive hazards, apply safe marking procedures and support disposal activities conducted by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.

In addition to technical instruction, the programme included basic life support training, recognising the importance of immediate medical response in hazardous working environments.

Upon completion, participants are qualified to join other local deminers as part of GCS-supported teams working to reduce explosive risk and protect civilian life.

Building accredited national capability

Since October, 15 local deminers have completed the retraining programme, strengthening the pool of personnel qualified to support clearance operations under Ukrainian national procedures.

As Lourie Venter, GCS Technical Advisor, explains:

"The retraining ensures participants have the knowledge, skills and attitude required to perform the duties of Explosive Ordnance Clearance Field Operators. They are now able to assist in the planning, management and execution of battle area clearance and demining tasks in accordance with Ukrainian standard operating procedures."

Training was delivered with the support of local translators, ensuring clear communication and coordination during instruction and field exercises.

"Effective communication is indispensable when coordinating clearance activities in hazardous environments," Venter adds.

Capacity as a critical enabler of recovery

Ukrainian authorities and international mine action organisations recognise that clearance capacity must grow at pace with the scale of contamination. This includes both mechanical assets and trained personnel capable of surveying, clearing and releasing land safely.

GCS continues to support this effort in Ukraine and in other affected regions by combining training, operational expertise and technical support, ensuring that clearance teams can work safely and effectively under demanding conditions.

By strengthening local capacity through structured training and accreditation pathways, GCS contributes to accelerating land release and supporting longer-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.