The European Union, along with international partners, has invested 400 million euros in demining activities in Ukraine, specifically in areas contaminated by explosive ordnance. This was announced by Peter Wagner, head of the EU's external policy instruments, during a briefing in Mykolaiv.
"The EU, in collaboration with partners, has invested 400 million euros in demining efforts, including in Mykolaiv region, which has many mine-contaminated areas. We are actively working on this in the region," Wagner stated.
He mentioned that the second priority of cooperation is related to preparing for the winter season, including ensuring electricity supply and water purification means.
"In Mykolaiv communities, the EU has installed 15 water purification stations. We are also assisting in the installation of solar panels that ensure the operation of these stations even during power outages," he emphasized.
Meanwhile, the EU ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, pointed out that the European Union is Ukraine's largest partner, having allocated over 180 billion euros for humanitarian and military needs since the onset of the full-scale invasion.
"The Mykolaiv region is the leader in the number of projects implemented in Ukraine with EU support," she highlighted.
When asked by a Ukrinform correspondent about their impressions of Mykolaiv, the high-ranking guests mentioned that it was their first visit, despite working in Ukraine since 2015, particularly in the eastern regions.
"This is my first time here, but I hope not the last. I have heard a lot about the local tomatoes and would love to come back during the season to taste them," Mathernova said, also praising the local red wine.
Mykolaiv region is one of the most heavily mined areas in Ukraine. With the support of the European Union and the UN Development Programme, Mykolaiv's sappers have received advanced technology for underwater demining, including the Vallon VMW1_Underwater metal detector and an ROV/drone.