**Taiwan Commits $2 Million to Ukraine Demining Efforts**
In a significant move, Taiwan has pledged up to $2 million to support demining efforts in Ukraine. This commitment was announced by Lithuania’s Defense Ministry on May 12, following a meeting between Lithuanian defense officials and Taiwan’s representative office in Vilnius.
The funds will be used to help clear explosive hazards from the land, which is a critical humanitarian initiative. The removal of these hazards is essential for Ukrainian civilian safety and economic recovery. Despite ongoing hostilities, Ukraine has made significant progress in reducing the area considered potentially hazardous by over 35,000 square kilometers since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
**A Critical Humanitarian Need**
The situation on the ground in Ukraine remains dire. Over 400 civilians have been killed and approximately 1,000 more injured by mines since the start of the conflict, according to U.N. monitors. This highlights the urgent need for demining efforts, which multiple countries are already assisting with.
Sweden, for example, allocated $3.8 million on March 28 to support Ukraine’s demining efforts. Moreover, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry expects to receive around $732 million in demining equipment by 2034 from Western allies. This international cooperation is crucial in addressing the scale of the problem.
**A Step Forward**
Taiwan’s commitment of up to $2 million is a welcome step forward in supporting this critical humanitarian initiative. It demonstrates the importance that Taiwan places on assisting Ukraine during these challenging times. Lithuania, which is leading the international demining capability coalition for Ukraine, welcomes Taiwan’s interest and support in addressing this pressing challenge.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, it is heartening to see countries like Taiwan showing solidarity with Ukraine through concrete actions. The demining efforts will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Ukrainian civilian safety and economic recovery.
