Colonel Ruslan Berehulia Inspected the Demining Progress at a Complex Site in the Mykolaiv Region

Colonel Ruslan Berehulia, Head of the Main Directorate for Mine Action, Civil Protection, and Environmental Safety of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, conducted an inspection visit to one of the most challenging humanitarian demining sites in the Mykolaiv region — the “Savanna” site located in the city of Snihurivka.

During the visit, Colonel Berehulia observed the ongoing demining operations carried out by specialists from Ukrainian Demining Services (UDS). He was also shown the modern mechanized equipment used in the land clearance process — in particular, the Ukrainian demining system Germina, developed and manufactured by PJSC Kramatorsk Heavy Machine Tool Building Plant.

The demonstration showcased the technical capabilities of the Germina system. The machine is powered by a 380-horsepower engine, equipped with an efficient Caterpillar engine, and is capable of demining up to 1 hectare per hour. The system neutralizes both anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines with resistance up to 9 kg of TNT. A key advantage is its adjustable soil processing depth — 5, 15, 25, or 35 cm, allowing it to adapt to different terrain conditions.

“It is crucial to develop mechanized demining, as it significantly speeds up the land clearance process, making it much safer and more cost-effective,” emphasized Colonel Ruslan Berehulia.

He also noted recent updates to the Ukrainian national standards (DSTU) for mechanized demining and commended UDS for promptly updating their Standard Operating Procedures in line with the new regulations, demonstrating their professionalism and commitment.

Together, we are bringing war-contaminated lands back to life!