A regional Mine Action Coordination Center has been launched in Kharkiv region to collect and analyze information on the state of demining in communities and monitor potential threats. The opening of the Center, which will operate under the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, was attended by Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Ihor Bezkaravaynyi.

“I welcome the creation of the Center, which will unite the efforts of the authorities, law enforcement, emergency services, volunteers and international organizations. This will give us a better understanding of what is happening in the region in terms of mine action. Our task is not to interfere with local initiatives, but to direct them in the right direction so that they fit into the framework of national policy and the national vision. It is also important for us that the Center will improve the quality of coordination and interaction not only at the regional level, but also with central authorities, in particular the Ministry of Economy, which coordinates humanitarian demining,” said Ihor Bezkaravaynyi.

A special system will be developed for the Center, which will display all demining processes taking place in the region based on the collected data. In addition, a round-the-clock hotline will be set up to respond to citizens' calls - 0-800-33-10-40. Citizens will also be able to leave their feedback by filling out feedback forms.

“Establishment of the Mine Action Coordination Center is important for protecting the population of Kharkiv region from the consequences of the ongoing full-scale war. The introduction of modern demining methods and effective cooperation between organizations will help not only to defuse explosive devices but also to improve the living conditions and safety of the region's residents. I would like to thank the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, personally Yulia Svyrydenko and her deputy Ihor Bezkaravaynyi for their attention to Kharkiv region, support and cooperation,” said Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration. 

Identification specialists will work directly in the communities. They will be the first to go to the site in their community after receiving calls to make sure that it is a mine or other explosive device that has been found. This will help reduce the number of unnecessary visits by the SES. The identifiers will be selected from among combat veterans, after which they will undergo a special training course. 

The Center's specialists will also educate the public about the risks associated with handling explosive devices. Knowing how to properly behave near dangerous areas can save the lives of local residents.

It is worth mentioning that the issue of humanitarian demining is overseen by the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko. The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine ensures the interaction of central executive authorities in the mine action field, particularly in the area of humanitarian demining.