US provides Ukraine with $91.5M for demining

Demining in Ukraine is the biggest challenge for sappers since World War II. In this regard, the US plans to increase assistance in the training of sappers and the provision of additional equipment.

"Demining in Ukraine is one of the largest challenges since World War II. Currently, there are not enough teams for demining in Ukraine, so the US plans to increase assistance in training demining teams and provide additional equipment," Michael Tirre, a representative of the U.S. Department of State, said at the U.S. Helsinki Commission briefing on Thursday, Ukrinform reports with reference to Voice of America.

As noted, the U.S. Department of State provided $91.5 million to assist Ukraine in demining. Funds are directed to training, provision of demining equipment, as well as ensuring the work of demining teams.

Tirre also emphasized that the Russians use in Ukraine the same tactics as ISIS terrorists in Syria and Iraq.

“From reporting on the ground and statements from Ukrainian authorities, we know that Russia’s forces have deliberately booby-trapped objects in people’s homes, including children’s toys, and even the bodies of people killed by the invasion.  The horrific use of improvised explosive devices by Russia’s forces is reminiscent of ISIS tactics in Iraq and Syria, where ISIS terrorists sought to inflict as many civilian casualties as possible and make people afraid to return home,” the representative of the U.S. Department of State stressed.

As reported, the European Union will additionally allocate €1 million for demining in Ukraine.

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