Ukraine, 8 July 2026 – A new wave of the national mine safety information campaign, titled “Notice the Changes,” has been launched in Ukraine with the aim of helping people to recognize new explosive ordnance threats and act safely when they encounter suspicious objects.

The campaign is part of a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine project funded by the Government of Japan. It is being implemented by BBC Media Action, with technical support from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU).

Ukraine remains one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. According to the SESU, around 133,300 square kilometres — potentially 21.5% of the country’s territory — requires surveying and potential clearance.

Since February 2022, 1,602 people have been injured in explosive ordnance incidents, while 461 people, including 22 children, have lost their lives, according to the National Mine Action Authority. Casualties continue to rise: In January–June 2026, Ukraine recorded a 27% increase in explosive ordnance victims compared to the same period last year.

Mine contamination remains the most severe in front-line areas and areas that were under temporary occupation. At the same time, civilians across Ukraine face growing aerial threats, including missile and drone fragments, unexploded drones, cluster munitions, and other explosive ordnance found in residential areas, parks, near bodies of water, and along roadsides.

The risk increases during the warmer months, when people spend more time outdoors — in forests, by rivers, and in open areas. The “Notice the Changes” campaign responds to these evolving threats by showing how to act safely in dangerous situations and reminding people what to do when they see a suspicious object: Stop. Don’t touch. Call 101.

The new campaign materials will be distributed through TV, radio, digital channels, and outdoor advertising across Ukraine, with a primary focus on residents of front-line areas and areas that were under temporary occupation.

Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, highlighted the value of sustained cooperation in strengthening mine safety awareness and protecting communities. 

“This new wave of ‘Notice the Changes’ builds on the strong partnership between UNDP, the Government of Japan, BBC Media Action, and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine,” he said. “Since 2024, the campaign has reached millions of people across Ukraine and helped strengthen awareness of safe behaviour. We’re now taking this work further to ensure that practical, life-saving information continues to reach communities most exposed to explosive ordnance risks — as part of UNDP’s broader commitment to mine action, civilian protection, and safe recovery in Ukraine.”

Andriy Danyk, Head of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, emphasises: “Every day, SESU sappers inspect and clear Ukrainian land of mines, unexploded ordnance, and other deadly traps left behind by the Russian occupiers. It is an extremely dangerous job that saves lives and helps communities return to normal. However, even the greatest efforts of the rescuers cannot instantly eliminate the threat in an area that is one of the most heavily mined in the world. That is why mine safety is everyone's responsibility today. 

We urge Ukrainians to stay alert to any changes around them, not to touch suspicious objects, and to report them immediately by calling 101, 102, or 112. Caution and knowing simple rules can save what is most precious — human life!”

Olga Sedova, Country Director for BBC Media Action in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, commented: "Our safety often depends on our own actions. We believe in the power of media and know it can do more than just inform – it can foster sustainable safe behaviour models and strengthen a sense of personal responsibility. That’s why the campaign calls for simple actions that can save lives. In this third wave, we place a special emphasis on the threat posed by drone remnants, missiles, and cluster munitions. Even objects that seem harmless at first glance can carry a fatal risk. The safest decision in such a situation is not to approach, not to touch, and to report it to emergency services at 101."

Background:

The “Notice the Changes” campaign was launched in June 2024 to promote mine safety through TV, radio, outdoor advertising, and online content. Its second wave, launched in autumn 2024, focused on seasonal risks, including explosive hazards hidden by fallen leaves or snow.

The first two waves generated over 87 million views and helped increase awareness of safe behaviour by 28%, while recall of the emergency number 101 grew by 69%. The campaign also won Silver at the Anthem Awards 2025 in the Humanitarian Action & Services category.

Beyond social advertising materials, the campaign also produced a video series, a mine safety simulator, as well as research on the knowledge, behaviour and perceptions of Ukrainians about explosive ordnance risks.

Previous information materials are available for media and community representatives to share. 

Media enquiries:

Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications and Advocacy, UNDP Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org