Ukraine is increasingly turning to a combination of human expertise and artificial intelligence to tackle the vast threat of landmines left behind by the ongoing war. As one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, large areas of farmland and infrastructure remain dangerous and unusable.
New demining efforts are integrating AI-powered systems with traditional clearance teams. Drones and machine-learning tools are being used to scan terrain, identify potential mine locations, and prioritize high-risk zones, helping to reduce the danger faced by human deminers.
Despite these advances, experts stress that technology alone cannot replace manual work. Highly trained personnel are still required to safely remove and dispose of explosives, particularly in complex or heavily contaminated areas.
The process is expected to take years, if not decades, with millions of hectares affected. Ukrainian officials and international partners say the use of AI could significantly speed up operations, but warn that sustained funding and coordination will be critical to fully clear the country.