In Ukraine, 174,000 square kilometers of land are “contaminated with mines or unexploded warheads,” said Zelenskyy. Countless mines belonging to the Russian army, which has been waging a war of aggression in Ukraine since February, are also floating in the Black Sea. Zelenskyy called on New Zealand, whose armed forces are said to be particularly experienced in this area, to lead international mine clearance efforts in his country.
On Wednesday, the New Zealand government pledged further humanitarian aid for the equivalent of around two million euros to help the people of Ukraine get through the winter better. The country has already supplied Kiev with arms and is also helping to train Ukrainian soldiers. After Zelenskyj’s speech, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also promised help with mine clearance. The area of ​​174,000 square kilometers mentioned by Selenskyj corresponds to the size of countries such as Cambodia or Syria.
