Ukraine remains the most heavily mined country in the world, with tens of thousands of hectares contaminated by mines and unexploded ordnance. This poses a grave threat to civilians, obstructs the reconstruction of critical infrastructure, hinders farming on some of Europe’s most fertile lands, and delays the return of displaced communities.
The Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC2025) was held in Tokyo, Japan. Organized jointly by Japan and Ukraine, the two-day event served as the leading international platform for humanitarian demining. Its goal was to mobilize collective efforts to accelerate mine clearance and ensure safe use of Ukrainian land for housing, agriculture, and economic recovery. Participants emphasized the importance of financing innovative private sector solutions to strengthen Ukraine’s demining and reconstruction capacity.
This third annual conference brought together more than 300 representatives of international partners and organizations, including high-level political leaders, international and national demining operators, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders. Lithuania was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who underscored Russia’s deliberate use of mines as a weapon of terror - “Russia consciously uses mines to prevent Ukrainians from returning home, to obstruct farming, and to block Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery opportunities”, - said Minister Kęstutis Budrys. He highlighted Lithuania’s leadership role in the Demining Coalition, expressed gratitude to all contributors, and urged further international participation.
Lithuania’s Development Cooperation Department, the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA), and implementing agencies of the Demining Coalition were also represented by Artūras Žarnovskis and Eglė Uleckienė. They engaged in bilateral meetings with representatives of the European Commission, Ukraine, Japan, and other donor countries to strengthen cooperation and accelerate joint demining initiatives.
Lithuania reaffirms its commitment to solidarity, partnerships, and freedom in progress standing with Ukraine and the international community to revive hope and rebuild resilience.
