Ukraine calls for more aid for demining efforts

ZAGREB, Oct 11 (AFP): Ukraine on Wednesday called for greater global support to help with demining large swaths of the war-torn country's land, warning that up to a third of its territory could be contaminated with ordnance.

"Russian mines and shells in Ukraine are a problem that must be solved together," Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said via video link during a donors' conference on demining in the Croatian capital Zagreb.

Shmyhal said up to six million people were actively at risk from extensive mining across Ukraine that has accelerated since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

If the demining efforts are not increased "it will take many decades to clear Ukraine of mines", Shmyhal noted.

The comments came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited NATO headquarters in Brussels, where he urged allies to step up weapons supplies-including air defence, long-range missiles and ammunition.

Ukrainian forces are currently locked in a bitter counteroffensive against entrenched Russian positions along the heavily-mined front line.

Mines have proven to be a formidable obstacle in slowing Ukrainian and Russian advances across the battlefield.

Both sides have relied heavily on mines to fortify their positions.

Even as the war rages on, Kyiv has called on international partners with experience in demining to help clear the ordnance.