Kyiv, 28 October 2025 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine has handed over 12 fully-equipped CASEVAC vehicles to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU), strengthening critical safety measures for personnel conducting humanitarian demining operations across the country.

The vehicles, complete with advanced medical equipment and accompanied by specialized training sessions from the Vovchok Civil Protection Faculty team, were provided with financial support from the governments of Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, and Luxembourg. This contribution will enhance the SESU’s capacity to provide rapid medical assistance and transport critically injured personnel to medical facilities, supporting first responders in emergency operations on the frontlines.

Approximately 23% of Ukraine’s territory may be potentially contaminated with landmines and other explosives, posing a significant threat to civilian lives and hindering economic activity. Since the beginning of 2025 alone, SESU demining teams, working under constant risk, have surveyed over 8,500 hectares and neutralized more than 26,000 explosive items, restoring safety to communities and reviving economic activity. 

The new CASEVAC vehicles will enable mine action teams to operate self-sufficiently even in remote areas lacking reliable infrastructure. The vehicles are designed to maximize casualty survivability through rapid extraction, on-site treatment, and timely evacuation – critical capabilities that directly comply with international standard IMAS 10.40 (Medical Support to Demining Operations).

SESU Head Andrii Danyk emphasized the importance of international support in the field of demining activities and strengthening safety during rescue operations. “Our teams face risks every day,” Danyk said. “So these CASEVAC vehicles give our units confidence that in case of emergency situations, medical assistance will be available immediately. Recently, with the help of this equipment, we managed to save the lives of two State Emergency Service employees.”

Martin Åberg, Ambassador of Sweden to Ukraine, reaffirmed Sweden’s steadfast support for Ukraine. “Demining is a vital step for Ukraine on its path to recovery and a thriving future,” Åberg said. “And we stand with Ukraine on this journey, providing support to the humanitarian mine action through various channels. Ensuring the safety of demining personnel is a critical part of that commitment. Together, we're fostering that humanitarian demining operations can continue safely and effectively, bringing hope back to the war-affected communities.”

Antonio Santamaría Pargada, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain, emphasized Spain’s commitment to supporting mine action in Ukraine. “Assisting Ukraine's demining efforts is an investment in the country's future – in safe homes, productive farmland, and rebuilt communities,” the deputy ambassador said. “We're proud to help support, together with partners, those doing this essential work.”

Gennadiy Rusanov, Team Leader, LuxAid Support for Recovery of Kryvyi Rih Raion Project, highlighted the importance of building mine action capacity. “Through comprehensive training on providing quality care in transit and efficient use of CASEVAC medical equipment, we're creating a professional, self-sufficient medical response system that meets international standards and, most importantly, saves lives,” Rusanov said.

Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine, stressed the life-saving impact of the tools and knowledge provided. “This isn't just about delivering vehicles and medical equipment – it's about having the knowledge and capability to save a person's life in those critical first minutes after an incident,” Politis said. “Together, we are not only enhancing humanitarian mine action services in Ukraine but passing another milestone in the provision of a safer and more accessible Ukraine.”

Background:

UNDP is a development agency working to strengthen Ukraine’s resilience and recovery in the face of unprecedented challenges. As part of its response, UNDP leads a range of initiatives to address the country’s widespread explosive ordnance contamination. Through its Mine Action Programme, UNDP supports coordination, strategy development, and technical assistance, including the provision of modern equipment and the adoption of innovative technologies. 

Media inquiries:
Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications and Advocacy, yuliia.samus@undp.org