Demining Ukraine: Outcomes from the 2025 Ukraine Mine Action Conference

Landmines and unexploded ordnance contaminate tens of thousands of hectares of farmland across Ukraine, preventing farmers from tending some of the most productive land in Europe. Facilitating expedient, safe demining procedures at scale remains a prerequisite for Ukraine’s agricultural recovery and economic reconstruction broadly—especially as other significant economic activities like critical mineral mining depend on safe access to potentially contaminated land.

As a significant technical and financial partner for mine action in Ukraine, Japan welcomes Ukraine and its allies to Tokyo on October 22 for the second annual Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC). This year, Ukraine approaches the issue of demining farmland through the newly established Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture, reflecting further alignment between its economic and agricultural policies. What were the major outcomes of UMAC? What additional support is needed from international donors? How can Ukraine turn commitments into action to expedite demining of its farmland? How do these efforts stimulate Ukraine’s economy and reconstruction?

Please join the CSIS Global Food and Water Security Program on Tuesday, October 28 at 11:00am for a discussion moderated by Director Caitlin Welsh, featuring keynote remarks from the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, Olga Stefanishyna and the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan, Takehiro Shimada. A panel discussion will follow, featuring Minister-Counselor for Economic Issues at the Embassy of Ukraine Dr. Ihor Baranetskyi and The HALO Trust USA Executive Director Chris Whatley.

This event is made possible by generous support from The HALO Trust USA.