Japanese experts conduct landmine dectection training in Ukraine
Officials from the Japan International Cooperation Agency and other experts held the training in Kyiv this week for participants including staff from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.
Trainees used a Japanese mine detector known as ALIS. The device is equipped with a ground-penetrating radar.
About 50 ALIS detectors have been reportedly provided to Ukraine. The trainees learned how to identify landmines underground while carefully looking at the monitor.
An official from the State Emergency Service said, "We still find the remains of explosive objects from World War Two and sometimes from World War One in Ukrainian territory. So you understand that this can take quite a long period of time."
The Ukrainian government estimates that about 30 percent of the country is littered with landmines and unexploded shells following Russia's invasion. It also says 335 people have died in incidents related to explosive objects.
Sato Motoyuki, professor emeritus of Tohoku University who developed the ALIS detector, has been involved in landmine clearance in Cambodia. He recognizes challenges in removing landmines in Ukraine.
He said unlike Cambodia, whose conflict has ended, Ukraine must deal with more and more landmines being placed one after another.
Sato also said that Ukraine will also have to address a large number of landmines that have been newly placed close to the ground.
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