Ukraine Loses Billions Due to Landmines: Urgent Call for Global Support

Ukraine incurs over $11 billion in annual GDP losses from landmines left since Russia's invasion. The mines impede exports, tax revenues, and pose significant economic and recovery challenges. Global support is urged for demining efforts to stabilize food supply and aid Ukraine's recovery.

Ukraine is experiencing significant annual economic losses, exceeding $11 billion, due to landmines left in the wake of Russia's invasion. These mines have created vast no-go areas, severely hindering exports and diminishing tax revenues, according to a recent report.

Ukraine has become the world's most heavily mined nation, as estimated by the United Nations and the Ukrainian government in February 2024. The combined report from Ukraine's Economy Ministry and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change warns that landmines pose a serious challenge to Ukraine's economic recovery and contribute to global food insecurity.

Tony Blair, executive chairman of the institute, emphasized the global importance of demining Ukraine to support both the country's economic resilience and the global food supply. The report highlights the urgent need for innovative financing mechanisms to address the estimated $34.6 billion required for safe demining.

(With inputs from agencies.)