Mine clearance expert Anthony Connell on the challenges in the war zone: “The need for help is enormous”

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Blick: Mr. Connell, you are in charge of the demining program of the Swiss foundation FSD in Ukraine. What are the biggest challenges you currently face in your work?
Anthony Connell: The biggest challenge is the enormous size of the potentially developed area. To clean all these areas, we need a lot more trained personnel. The approximately 130 FSD employees currently working in the country are just a drop in the ocean. But there is also a lack of equipment. Most of the transport vehicles delivered to Ukraine are needed by the Ukrainian army. And with the ones available, prices are through the roof.

What does the alleged explosion of the Kachowka dam in the southeast of the country mean for mine clearance?
We are not active in this area ourselves. However, we will now send investigative teams to the region to assist the authorities. Essentially, it’s a huge problem because mines and other unexploded weapons are washed away. Areas that were previously carefully cleaned can now become re-infested.

So more deminers are needed. How difficult is it to find suitable staff?
That is not hard. Many Ukrainians are well educated. And they want to help their country. In addition, the work pays well and is highly appreciated.

What should you bring for the job?
Well, our work consists of several steps. For example, before we actually start demining, we need teams to find out which areas are most likely to be mines and where demining is most urgent. They research online where fighting and casualties have been and ask around in villages. These so-called research teams each consist of three locals. We always try to have at least one woman on the team, because we have noticed that women often have better questioning techniques and therefore get better answers.

Switzerland wants to increase its commitment to mine clearance. The SP specifically demands that the federal government draw up an international demining programme. Is it OK for you?
The need for help is great. Whether it concerns money, machines, training or bringing the subject to international attention: the help can be very different. But another international coordination body? We don’t need that. That would be a waste of money. What is needed now is support for the existing programmes.

Source:Blick