Protect Families in Ukraine

Before the Russian invasion, Kharkiv was an important agricultural cornerstone. Since the invasion, Kharkiv has been a scene of turmoil. Kharkiv has suffered significant damage to civilian infrastructure, the contamination of agricultural land, and the displacement of a significant portion of the population.

One of the many affected settlements is Mykolaivka, which is nestled in the Chuhuiv district of the Kharkiv region. Mykolaivka and its surrounding areas were under Russian occupation for several months, repeatedly coming under fire. The shadows of Russian occupation still haunt the land.

HALO demining teams have been active in the area trying to restore the land. Yuri, a deminer, talks about his work with HALO and says, “It’s an opportunity to provide for my family, especially since there is a possibility for career growth. We provide assistance after the areas have been de-occupied or after hostilities. It is important we help immediately after finding explosive objects in known minefields.”

The fields in Mykolaivka were once hives of productivity. After the invasion, these fields remained uncultivated because of the lurking threat of explosive ordnance planted by the Russian forces. Unfortunately, this fear became a terrifying reality, when a harvester accidentally detonated two anti-tank mines, injuring two individuals. Despite the force of the blast, the victims miraculously survived.

Because of the severe contamination of the field, farmers are not able to use it. Our team of deminers are working every day to clear these deadly devices and have already discovered 50 anti-vehicle mines. These devices pose a threat to human life and prevent agricultural productivity.

Yurii continued and said, “Working for HALO is a chance to save the lives of people who use the land that is mined: agricultural land, rivers, forests, and roads. I want to reduce the number of victims as much as I can.”

Supporters like you make HALO’s work possible. Thanks to you, this land will be cleared and brimming with wheat instead of threats.