TEN Ukrainians sponsored through funds from Jersey are receiving training this month in mine detection and explosive ordinance disposal.
The participants from the war-torn nation are attending the fourth Friends of Ukraine-EOD course in Kosovo, with training provided by PCM and MAT Kosovo.
Bomb-disposal expert and PCM managing director Ben Remfrey said that while the exact extent of mining and unexploded bombs in Ukraine was unknown, it was now believed to be one of the most dangerous and explosives-laden regions on earth.
‘Estimates vary and are still unclear, but due to the high failure rate of munitions dropped and expended by the Russian Federation (estimates are as high as 65% – when in conflict it’s usually 15%), the explosive remnants of war contamination in Ukraine are estimated to be extremely high,’ he said. ‘Many international media claim Ukraine to now be the most contaminated region on earth from unexploded ordnance.’
Course participants undergo four weeks of intense training in International Mine Action Standards and EOD. They are taught to identify, survey and dispose of unexploded ordnance.
The ten current trainees will bring the total bomb-disposal personnel trained to date through the programme to 43.
Mr Remfrey, who was involved with training Ukrainians prior to the Russian invasion in February, said participants are found through FoU-EOD contacts and relationships with Ukrainian government agencies.
‘Because the FoU-EOD courses have featured in the world press and attained a high level of attention in Ukraine itself, we have requests from various agencies for training and we then select which participants would most benefit from attending our training courses,’ he said. Selection is based on merit and the impact those selected will have when they return to Ukraine.
‘The skills they will be developing will greatly assist in identifying areas of risk, pertaining to the explosive remnants of war, identifying the risk items by type and nomenclature, how to meticulously survey areas and then how to dispose of unexploded items by type, where it’s done safely and to international standards of competency.’
Training is provided at a specialised, international school in the Balkan nation. ‘It’s licensed to conduct this training and is fully equipped to host such training,’ Mr Remfrey said. ‘There are live demolitions ranges with live ammunition targets, which is essential when training at this level of competency. Ukrainians can also travel to and train in Kosovo without a need for a visa.’
Funding for the training is supported by the Bailiff’s Ukraine Appeal through Jersey Overseas Aid as well as grants and donations from other individuals and foundations. PCM and MAT Kosovo also match the funding, to deliver the courses at a significantly reduced cost.
