On July 2, as part of the regional platform “Dialogue Between Government and Business,” established at the direction of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, an online meeting was held on the topic “Raising Awareness of Risks Associated with Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War.”
The event was attended by over 100 representatives of the business community, state authorities, and local governments in the Donetsk region. The speakers were experts in public education and outreach from the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD Ukraine), who discussed the main risks associated with landmines and explosive remnants of war and emphasized the importance of following safety guidelines.
During the meeting, participants learned what explosive objects might look like, which areas pose an increased danger, how to recognize official and unofficial mine hazard warning signs, and what rules must be followed when in potentially dangerous areas.
Special attention was given to the procedure for handling suspicious objects. Experts emphasized that it is strictly forbidden to touch, move, or attempt to defuse explosive devices on your own. If such an object is found, you must move to a safe distance, warn others of the danger, and immediately report the discovery by calling 101 or 102.
Participants were also reminded that the risk of landmines persists not only in areas where hostilities are ongoing but also in de-occupied settlements, fields, roadsides, forest belts, abandoned buildings, and other locations that may be contaminated with explosive objects.
Holding such informational meetings helps raise awareness among business representatives about mine safety, minimizes risks to company employees, and fosters a culture of safe behavior under martial law.