Ambassador of Germany to Ukraine Christoph Weil presented 50 mine detectors to the head of the State Emergency Service (SES) of Ukraine Serhii Bochkovsky. According to a press release obtained by The Day, these devices, costing more than 100,000 euros, were purchased by the German federal government at the request of the government of Ukraine. The detectors can work at depths up to 1 meter and their intended use is mine clearance in eastern Ukraine. On passing the metal detectors, Ambassador Weil expressed confidence that they would help to “avert human tragedies,” because they would quicken removing explosive objects from the Donbas. In his turn, Bochkovsky said: “These metal detectors will be sent immediately to the east, where our pyrotechnic units are working daily to clear mines from the liberated areas.
I am sure that these modern metal detectors will allow for timely detection of explosive objects in the Donbas where they pose a threat to the population. Thus, we will be able to save civilians from the nasty effects of the ‘surprises’ which the terrorists have left behind.” As noted by the SES officials, the Vallon mine detectors are highly sensitive, allowing instant detection of objects, even those with low metal content. They are equipped with modern power supply units and can pinpoint locations of objects. The SES units have detected and cleared 32,977 munitions during the ongoing mine clearance campaign, which started in early July 2014.
