Ukraine's emergency service requests humanitarian mine clearance equipment through NATO mechanism
Ukraine's State Emergency Service (SES) has submitted a request for international assistance in the form of humanitarian mine clearance equipment, with the appeal published on NATO's website.
"The State Emergency Service of Ukraine has issued a request for international assistance for humanitarian demining equipment via NATO's emergency response mechanism, the Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre," the statement reads.
NATO also published the text of the request.
In accordance with its obligations, the Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) is to forward the request to international emergency response points of contact in NATO member states and partner countries. Nations that are able to provide assistance, in full or in part, are invited to respond to the operational focal point in Ukraine.
The SES explained that Ukrainian territory has been significantly contaminated with explosive ordnance as a result of Russia's armed aggression, posing a serious threat to the civilian population and critical infrastructure.
"Demining and humanitarian demining of the territory of Ukraine is one of the strategic priorities of the Government of Ukraine and is crucial for the country's recovery, strengthening the capabilities of Ukraine's Security and defence forces, and ensuring the safety of Ukrainian citizens," the State Emergency Service request states.
The request says the equipment requested will be used by territorial units of the State Emergency Service in various regions of Ukraine, including those that have experienced the most intense Russian attacks.
The equipment requested by the State Emergency Service includes underwater metal detectors for mine clearance operations, Tethys One autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV/ROV) for surveys, search-and-rescue operations and monitoring in complex aquatic environments, robotic systems for reconnaissance and the remote neutralisation of explosive ordnance, underwater video cameras, communications equipment, and other items.
Germany transferred an assistance package to Ukraine's State Emergency Service worth €5.7 million, which included robotic systems.
In July, the State Emergency Service received 10 sets of rescue equipment from Germany to assist in saving people trapped under rubble.