Ukraine update: Helping reclaim the land

As Ukraine continues into the fifth year since Russia’s full-scale invasion, its devastating impact on civilians continues. Though fighting continues along relatively static frontlines, millions of explosives have been placed across not just battlefields, but also farmland, neighborhoods, and roads. 

The fears associated with the war are still present. 

Many Ukrainians can’t safely go anywhere without worrying about one of these nearby mines. Parents can’t confidently let their kids go outside to play

Despite these increasingly challenging conditions, HALO's mission in Ukraine has not waivered. Ukrainians are still determined to regain their land and return to normalcy

Through the support of donors, such as Global Giving, HALO is helping Ukrainians achieve these dreams.

Even amidst uncertainty and fear, our Ukraine teams continue to work diligently every day to bring hope and restoration to their communities.

We celebrate their lifesaving work and are grateful to those who make it possible. =

As of June 2026, HALO teams have mostly completed the initial survey of areas as outlined by National Mine Action Center (NMAC). Officials are working on approval to expand these survey operations into additional areas to touch more lives. This is a crucial first step to removing these mines for good.

HALO’s work continues to ensure that all potential minefields are identified and prioritized for subsequent clearance, while mine-free land is safely handed over to communities. 

These efforts are allowing farmers to reclaim their land and families to move back into their homes. Livelihoods can prosper again, even amidst war.

Since February 2022, HALO has released nearly 6,000 acres of land, including more than 2,000 football fields-worth of agricultural land, accounting for 45% of all land HALO has released overall. 

This enables farmers to return to cultivating crops on previously unsafe land, thus bolstering economic activity and increasing food security. Given the importance of Ukraine’s agricultural sector, the safe return of farmland is critical to sustaining local livelihoods and long-term recovery. 

With support from GlobalGiving, HALO Ukraine delivered four Train the Trainer (ToT) sessions to teachers from across at least 5 oblasts, where they learned methods for teaching explosive ordnance risk to their own communities.

Participants also practiced delivering EORE lessons themselves, which allowed them to refine their communication skills, test different teaching methods, and gain confidence in presenting risk education messaging.

Each teacher now carries knowledge into classrooms, community halls, and local networks, multiplying HALO’s reach beyond what its teams could imagine alone. Around 1,773 people were helped by these trainings as educators spread the word to their communities.

By supporting these courses, GlobalGiving has enabled communities across Ukraine to be better prepared to manage the risks posed by landmines and other explosive ordnance. 

The nonprofit has also assisted HALO in installing solar panels and outdoor sports equipment at mobile accommodation camps and procuring backup power supplies to protect against power outages and strengthen energy resilience, particularly during winter months.

We are deeply grateful for GlobalGiving’s flexible support and commitment to helping communities affected by conflict. It enables HALO teams to respond to the evolving needs of these communities, strengthen staff wellbeing, and build safer futures for everyone.

As we look ahead to the work still to be done, HALO is proud to work with partner organizations contributing to a holistic approach to Ukraine’s recovery. 

Localization and capacity building are increasingly central to Ukraine’s landmine action sector and HALO Ukraine’s long‑term priorities. Building strong local capacity ensures that humanitarian mine action can be delivered sustainably and with national ownership.

To this end, HALO is partnering with organizations across Ukraine to advance priorities related to mine action while supporting broader recovery efforts.

Every partnership and donation makes this work possible. Donate today to be a part of this positive change in Ukrainians’ lives.