Protect Families in Ukraine

Pechenihy, an urban-type settlement in the Chuhuiv district of the Kharkiv region, has witnessed a remarkable transformation. Not long ago, the area was littered with anti-personnel mines and tripwire grenades. Now that the land is safe again, it has become a sanctuary where families from across the Kharkiv region return to sunbathe, play with their children, and spend time with loved ones in the newly safe areas.

A key figure in Pechenihy’s revitalization is Oleksandr, a local entrepreneur who has rented land on the banks of the Siverskyi Donets river for over 20 years. The site, affectionately named “Golden Bay” by locals, boasts shallow waters and an inviting atmosphere.

Oleksandr, originally from Kharkiv, has a deeply personal connection to this picturesque location. His father, who liberated the land during World War II, cared for it and instilled in Oleksandr a love for the area. Continuing his father's legacy, Oleksandr has worked tirelessly to develop tourism here. In early 2022, he stayed in Kharkiv and later took his family abroad in April but returned to Pechenihy himself and has remained ever since. He recalls that in 2022 the city was completely empty; but by 2023, people started returning, and now Kharkivhas nearly as many residents as before. Despite the challenges posed by the conflict, Oleksandr has remained committed to his business and community.

From February 24 to September 11, 2022, the eastern part of Pechenihy was occupied by Russian troops. Despite the absence of active hostilities, the area was heavily shelled and littered with anti-personnel landmines and unexploded ordnance, posing a significant threat to returning residents. After the de-occupation of Pechenihy, dangerous remnats were discovered around “Golden Bay”: anti-personnel fragmentation mines in the form of hand grenades mounted on tripwires, some precariously clamped between tree branches that detonated just by falling on the ground and unclamping the fuze lever.

One of Oleksandr’s workers alerted him to the danger, prompting HALO to being clearance in November 2023.

“People feel much safer now; a year ago, no one would have dared to stand here. Everyone can come and relax, but I advise against going into the water. Moreover, we will prohibit it – we will set a ban to keep people away from the water because near the shore and water is a very dangerous place, it is a matter of humanity when business success is not as important,” Oleksandr told us, emphasizing that seeing people’s joy and gratitude is the best reward for his work.

Oleksandr’s story, while unique, reflects the broader resilience and optimism of Ukrainians. Despite significant challenges, they continue to rebuild and plan for the future. The demining efforts in Pechenihy are crucial for the ongoing recovery, with landmines still posing threats near homes, schools, and clinics.

“I believe it is crucial to advance demining efforts and increase the amount of safe land in our country. Several of my civilian friends have lost their lives to landmine incidents, and I want to feel secure in all areas of my country. Therefore, I am pleased to see the ongoing progress HALO has made and continues to make in this direction.”

HALO is grateful to all its donors for enabling this vital work in Ukraine, paving the way for a safer future.

Baryshivka is a small territory in the Kyiv region that contains nineteen villages. Baryshivka is located thirty-one miles from the capital of Kyiv. Around 28,000 people lived in Baryshivka before the invasion. Most of these people were farmers, whose prosperous lives were torn apart at the start of the war.

Fierce battles raged in Baryshivka for about a month. Almost every single village was heavily shelled. “This means that who-knows-what can be scattered almost everywhere,” Evhen Sviatiuk, the deputy head of Baryshivka, remarked.

Retreating Russian troops left behind anti-vehicle mines and unexploded shells on the roads. When the Kyiv region was liberated, locals returned to their homes. They wished to restore their lives as quickly as possible. But they faced a massive new challenge: the threat of explosive ordnance contamination.

“In Autumn 2022, one of the farmers entered a tree line near Peremoha village,” Sviatuk says, referring one of Baryshivka’s 19 villages. “He drove over an anti-vehicle mine, and an explosion occurred. Thank God, the man survived, but this incident terrified people from the village so much that they still remember and discuss it,” Sviatiuk narrates.

Not knowing if a farmer will come back from his field or if a child from the playground sadly became a reality for the residents of Baryshivka. Accidents related to explosive ordnance continue to add to the tragic statistics of local losses caused by the invasion. Residents of Baryshivka are forced to live in constant fear and danger.

HALO’s teams identified twelve contaminated areas in Baryshivka. Deminers have already made great progress. In October 2023, HALO handed over the first four of these tasks back to the community, and in December, another two were given back to the community. After ten months of clearance work, on the 11th of December, HALO handed over two areas back to the community. This land was cleared of 102 items of dangerous explosives and is now safe to use.

HALO’s work is continuing its work in Baryshivka. Survey teams are identifying new areas and deminers are clearing more ground and finding new items of explosive ordnance. By clearing Baryshivka, HALO is ensuring the safe return of residents.

At the second task handover, Sviatiuk reflected, “The explosive items deminers help to remove from the ground will add more confidence to the people in springtime when the sowing begins. It is very important that territories are being cleared, that this noble work is free for us, that people feel much more confident on their land, and that their stable life is returning.”

Thank you for your continued support, which is allowing the residents of Baryshivka to safely return home.