Ukrainian minister thanks Azerbaijan for assistance with demining efforts

Ukrainian Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Svitlana Hrynchuk has said that Ukraine is grateful to Azerbaijan for its support in demining efforts.

Hrynchuk expressed this gratitude during a press conference, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

"I would like to express our sincere thanks to Azerbaijan for its substantial support to Ukraine in the areas of demining and energy infrastructure recovery," she said.

The minister also highlighted that, at present, approximately 174,000 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory are full of mines.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that 174,000 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory are contaminated by Russian mines and unexploded ammunition. It would be very difficult for any country in the world to cope with this task alone. 

President Zelenskyy noted that partner nations have been assisting Ukraine with its demining efforts. “Ukraine feels the support of the Azerbaijani government. We remember Azerbaijan's assistance in addressing the aftermath of the explosion at the dam of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station,” Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said.  

"Azerbaijan knows from its robust experience what the deadly mine danger is. Therefore, the experience of Azerbaijani mine-action specialists would be beneficial for Ukraine. In turn, the units of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, which have acquired extraordinary practical skills over the years, will share their knowledge with us. I thank the government of Azerbaijan for the donated mechanical demining vehicles, that will be involved in clearing agricultural lands from the landmines in the occupied territories," Klymenko said.

By Naila Huseynova