From a Sapper’s Sketch to a Nation-Saving Innovation

Shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a sapper known by the call sign “Boroda” made a simple but life-saving request. He approached his friends—the founders of Rovertech—with a rough sketch of a machine that could help clear landmines, thereby sparing sappers like him from constant danger.

His plea was straightforward: “Make something so I don’t have to risk my life every day.”

This challenge lit a spark in Rovertech’s co-founders. “He pushed us until we finally made it happen,” said Rovertech co-founder Borys Drozhak in an interview with the Kyiv Independent.

That spark ignited the birth of the “Zmiy” (Snake) remote demining vehicle—a striking example of how Ukraine’s startup ecosystem is racing to address one of its most pressing challenges: clearing thousands of square kilometers contaminated by landmines.

A Landscape Littered with Hidden Dangers

Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has become the most heavily mined country in the world, endangering the lives of millions for generations to come. According to Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, around 174,000 square kilometers (67,000 square miles) were initially marked as potentially mined. While ongoing efforts have reduced this area by 35,000 square kilometers (13,500 square miles), about 139,000 square kilometers (54,000 square miles) of Ukrainian land remain suspect—an expanse larger than countries like Greece, Bulgaria, or Austria, and roughly the size of North Carolina.

Experts at think tank Globsec warn that, using current methods, it could take over 700 years to fully demine Ukraine. Yet the Ukrainian government has set a far more ambitious target: removing landmines from 80% of suspect land in the next decade.

“We are witnessing a game-changing shift as innovative technologies, enabled by our support, rapidly accelerate the process and position Ukraine as a global pioneer in mine action innovation,” said Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine.

The Rise of Tech-Driven Demining

With the support of global partners, including UNDP’s Mine Action Programme, and new government-backed initiatives, Ukrainian startups are pioneering cutting-edge approaches to mine clearance. Their aim is to save time, slash costs, and—most importantly—protect human lives.

1. Mapping Minefields from the Sky

UADamage, a Ukrainian startup, believes it can map mined areas far faster than traditional methods allow—possibly within a decade. Founder Vitalii Lopushanskyi discovered just how dire the mine threat is when he saw two civilian cars in Kherson Oblast destroyed by hidden explosives.

“No one can rebuild without demining,” he told the Kyiv Independent. “First, we need to make the territories safe.”

To tackle this, UADamage combines satellite imagery and drone-mounted sensors—an approach that detects explosive devices both on the ground and buried beneath the surface. But their vision doesn’t end with identifying landmines: in the long run, UADamage aims to combine these aerial scans with ground-based robots to neutralize explosives without risking human lives.

“As a result, it (the technology) will replace humans,” Lopushanskyi said.

Teaming Up with Researchers

To refine their algorithms and bolster accuracy, UADamage teamed up with the Ukrainian Researchers Society, which uses a neural network to analyze satellite images of farmland. If fields appear uncultivated for extended periods, for instance, it’s a strong indicator that explosives could be lurking beneath the soil.

“We focus primarily on clearing agricultural land,” explained Pavlo Ostapenko, head of the society. This focus is critical: Since 2022, 199 Ukrainian farmers have lost their lives to landmines or explosive devices, according to Ukraine’s Defense Ministry.

2. Drones That Detect Hidden Threats

Another innovative solution comes from the PostUp Foundation and its MinesEye project. These drones gather magnetic and optical data simultaneously, creating a detailed, multi-layered map of potential hazard zones. Sappers can then use these maps to target the most contaminated sites, drastically cutting the time and cost of traditional mine-clearance methods.

“We can prioritize territory,” said Vlad Kozak, founder of PostUp. “We find areas that are more or less contaminated so we can optimize our teams and resources.”

In the first half of 2025, supported by UNDP, the MinesEye system will be deployed with Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (SESU) teams in heavily mine-affected regions—offering a critical line of defense for both civilians and responders.

On the Ground: The “Zmiy” Steps Forward

While aerial drones are excellent for mapping, remote ground vehicles are needed to physically clear explosive devices. That’s where Rovertech’s Zmiy shines.

A Lightweight Powerhouse

Weighing just under a ton, the Zmiy is surprisingly agile. It travels quickly across large terrains, using a rotating mechanism to “strike” the ground and detonate mines safely. Capable of withstanding blasts from both anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, the Zmiy spares human operators from life-threatening work.

“The sappers told us they need us,” said Drozhak. “Other machines are prohibitively expensive or not widely available. Clearing everything by hand would take forever.”

Cost-Effective Impact

In contrast to many foreign-made demining vehicles that can run up to €1 million, the Zmiy’s estimated cost is only around $20,000—an enormous relief to organizations trying to stretch limited budgets. Rovertech already produces up to 40 Zmiy vehicles per month and hopes to double that output soon. According to the startup’s estimates, Ukraine needs around 700 such machines to clear all potentially mined territories.

Military Roots, Humanitarian Future

Originally developed to help military engineers and front-line sappers, the Zmiy has evolved into a certified solution for humanitarian mine clearance. Rovertech’s expanded range also includes the “Zmiy-500,” an armored variant that can move weaponry through mined areas. Several Ukrainian brigades already rely on these vehicles to prevent needless casualties from hidden explosives and hostile drone attacks.

Funding, Ambition, and the Road Ahead

Ukraine’s race to eliminate landmines is a joint effort involving government initiatives, international donors, and private innovation. This year, the Ukrainian government introduced a humanitarian demining market, ensuring the state covers 100% of demining costs for farmland—a game-changing move for farmers and local communities.

“We managed to sign agreements with mine action operators to clear more than 14,400 hectares of agricultural land,” Minister Svyrydenko confirmed.

As Ukraine demonstrates its capacity to innovate at breakneck speed—whether through aerial sensors, AI-powered mapping, or ground drones like the Zmiy—it sets an example for the global community on how to tackle large-scale landmine crises.

“Each breakthrough by Ukrainian companies is undeniable proof that Ukraine is a nation of trailblazers and changemakers,” UNDP’s Cilliers said.

Saving Lives, One Innovation at a Time

By combining drones, satellites, AI, and advanced robotics, Ukrainian startups and international partners are on the front lines of one of the world’s biggest demining efforts. Every new machine deployed and every field declared safe represents a step closer to reviving farmland, reopening roads, and restoring everyday life.

“Each journey of these robots means two to five people do not need to risk their lives,” Drozhak emphasized. “We have robots replacing people, and that’s how our people survive.”

This convergence of cutting-edge technology and urgent humanitarian need is charting a new path—not just for Ukraine, but for every region around the globe grappling with the scourge of landmines. If Ukraine’s rapid progress is any indication, the future of mine clearance looks safer, faster, and undeniably more innovative.