Prytula Foundation USA is proud to announce a new initiative in partnership with Ukraine Rises aimed at tackling one of the most urgent challenges facing Ukraine today -  landmine contamination.

As part of our ongoing commitment to restoring safety and supporting Ukraine’s recovery, we’ve launched a pilot project to test and evaluate two groundbreaking, Ukrainian-developed technologies designed to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of humanitarian demining operations.

What’s the goal?

To explore how modern technologies can enhance traditional clearance methods — saving time, protecting human life, and accelerating the return of land to local communities and farmers.

What’s being tested?

• “ZMIY”, a ground-based robotic demining system developed by Rovertech

• “ST1”, an autonomous drone designed to detect landmines, created by Aisland Systems

These tools will be tested in real demining operations — not simulations — across 226 hectares of formerly occupied agricultural land in the Kharkiv region, where licensed operator Humanitarian Security is actively working.

Why it matters:

Ukraine is now one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. Clearing this land is not just a matter of safety — it’s a matter of economic recovery, food security, and national resilience. By investing in local technological solutions, we’re supporting both immediate needs and long-term capacity.

Project timeline:

The project runs from February 10 to May 31, 2025, and is funded through a $225,000 grant from Prytula Foundation USA — made possible by the generous support of our donors.

What’s next?

Upon completion, Ukraine Rises will deliver a comprehensive technical report assessing the performance, cost-efficiency, and scalability of both technologies. Our goal is to generate evidence that informs the broader humanitarian mine action (HMA) community — in Ukraine and globally.

With the support of our partners and donors, we’re not just clearing land — we’re clearing the way for a safer, stronger Ukraine.