Norway has helped establish a center for training mine detection dogs in Ukraine.

This was announced on the Norwegian government’s website on January 7.

In addition, the Norwegian government will allocate NOK 164 million (about €14 million) in 2025 for demining in Ukraine, which will be carried out, in particular, using mine detection dogs.

The Norwegian NGO Norsk Folkehjelp and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) established a training center for mine detection dogs and cynologists in Romny.

Starting in 2022, the training center professionalized and systematized the work to provide dogs and dog handlers with the best conditions to participate in demining.

Last December, the Norwegian government announced that support for Norsk Folkehjelp’s work in Ukraine would be increased by NOK 164 million in 2025.

“Mines do not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Mine and explosive ordnance clearance saves lives here and now and protects future generations from civilian injury and death,” Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide noted.

The official also added that Norsk Folkehjelp has many years of experience in demining and that its efforts are “an important contribution to ensuring a safe future for the Ukrainian people.”

The Norwegian government noted that under the Nansen Program, Norsk Folkehjelp has become one of 69 certified international partners providing demining assistance.

Norsk Folkehjelp’s efforts include, among other things, training 14 mine detection dogs and developing Ukraine’s demining capabilities with the help of dogs.

Last December, Norway allocated a new military aid package aimed at strengthening the Ukrainian Navy.

The assistance includes, among other things, the transfer of equipment directly from the Norwegian Armed Forces, as well as the purchase of military equipment from industry for further transfer.