Ukrainian national news channel Inter reported on a specialised mine action training programme using the latest demining technologies, devised especially for veterans with disabilities. The news was also aired by 1+1, ICTV and We Ukraine as part of the United News Yedyni Novyny programme. Organised as part of the second phase of Ukraine’s mine action initiative by the Ukraine Ministry of Economy together with the United Nations Development Programme and with funding from the Swedish government, this training is a major step toward the professional rehabilitation of veterans and their involvement in humanitarian demining efforts. Ihor Bezkaravainyi, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine, attended the training to personally thank both organisers and veterans for their contribution to national safety.
Over the intensive two-day program, veterans gained both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience from experts including International Project Manager Lourie Venter and International Operations Manager Mark Frankish. The training focused on operating GCS-200 demining machines and other advanced technologies, including drones and mine detectors. The ultimate aim of the initiative is to help veterans with disabilities find meaningful employment in this critical field.
Mark explains the benefits of mechanical demining using our flagship GCS-200 demining platform: “The GCS-200 is used to prepare soil which contains explosive devices”. The speed and safety of mechanical demining mean that Ukraine can recover and rebuild lives and livelihoods faster and with less risk to deminers.
As the reportage states, there are currently over 40 GCS machines in Ukraine, with an order for 51 more by 2025. In addition to this latest training, this year GCS also conducted pro bono clearance in Bucha to prepare a contaminated site on which a veterans’ hospital will now be constructed. This week, the mayor of Irpen, Oleksandr Markushyn, awarded GCS Ukraine’s demining team certificates of appreciation. Pro bono demining in Bucha receives recognition from Irpen mayor Oleksandr Markushyn — GCS
The planned facility will care for the mental health needs of veterans. Projects to support veterans were also among the winners of the UN Global Compact Awards, in which GCS were awarded the Partnership for Sustainability Award in the Peace category. GCS awarded Partnership for Sustainability Award in category "Peace" — GCS