Ukraine Faces $11 Billion Annual Loss Due to Landmines
CISR
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(Reuters) Ukraine is experiencing severe economic losses due to landmines laid since Russia’s invasion, costing the country over $11 billion annually. Mines have disrupted key agricultural exports and regional tax revenues, significantly hindering Ukraine's GDP recovery. The report, produced by Ukraine’s Economy Ministry and the Tony Blair Institute, highlights that 139,300 square kilometers of land are now mined, affecting agricultural production, tax revenue, and global food security.
Tony Blair emphasizes that demining Ukraine is a global responsibility, not just a Ukrainian issue, given its role in food supply chains for vulnerable populations. The Ukrainian government is stepping up efforts, with plans to increase demining vehicles and sapper numbers, aiming to demine the affected areas within five years. However, innovative financial solutions, such as an agricultural bond market, are needed to address the $34.6 billion required for full demining efforts.
