In Mykolaiv, women clearing mines from Ukrainian land were featured

September 10 Mykolaiv was visited by a delegation of international humanitarian organizations DanChurchAid (DCA) and Norwegian Church Aid (NCA). During a working meeting at the Office for Recovery and Development, Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych informed the partners about the security situation in the city and the consequences of Russian attacks.

Also taking part in the meeting were Deputy Mayor Serhii Korenev, Director of the Mayor’s Office Olena Dmytrychenko and Head of the Mykolaiv Development Agency Ihor Filippov. The DCA delegation was represented by Secretary General Jonas Veysager Neddecker, Program Director Nils Rodger and Head of the organization’s representation in Ukraine Peter Bo Larsen.

“Unfortunately, the enemy continues to attack our city. It destroys civilian facilities — residential buildings, enterprises, ordinary infrastructure that people’s normal lives depend on,” said Oleksandr Sienkevych.

The mayor noted that Russian attacks remain one of the main challenges for Mykolaiv and its residents. Despite the regular shelling, the city is functioning and making every effort to restore damaged infrastructure.

The participants also discussed preparations for the heating season and strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure. Municipal services are preparing city networks and facilities for the autumn-winter period and are taking measures to ensure their stable operation under any circumstances.

The parties also talked about Mykolaiv’s urgent needs and further directions for cooperation. These include:

• development of city hospitals, schools and kindergartens taking into account modern requirements;
• support for defenders returning from the front;
• creating appropriate conditions for their recovery and adaptation to civilian life.

On the same day, an exhibition “A New Profession During War” opened in Mykolaiv. It tells about the difficult choices ordinary people have to make during wartime. The heroines of the exhibition are women who, as part of teams from DanChurchAid and Norwegian Church Aid, clear Ukrainian land of explosive ordnance.

Before the full-scale invasion by Russia, they lived civilian lives and could not imagine they would undertake such an important mission.

DCA Secretary General Jonas Veysager Neddecker said that Denmark has supported Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The exhibition is planned to be later presented on the territory of the Kingdom to show the difficult challenges faced by the Ukrainian people, draw attention to Ukraine’s needs and help continue international support.

The event was also attended by NCA Secretary General Anni Cessilie. She noted that she is glad for the opportunity to work together with DCA for this important mission.

“Our task is to make the present bearable and the future one that brings us hope,” emphasized Anni Cessilie.

The head of the Embassy of Denmark in Mykolaiv office, Jakob Torrild Hansen, emphasized that heroic people work in Mykolaiv and the region, making the land safer every day. According to him, the exhibition shows a wide audience the risks faced by specialists working with explosive ordnance and the importance of their daily work.

“We will not stop and will continue to help Mykolaiv,” said Jakob Torrild Hansen.

Oleksandr Sienkevych called Denmark’s support important for Mykolaiv and for all of Ukraine. He noted that the assistance of Danish partners strengthens Ukrainians’ ability to resist Russian aggression and makes the community safer.

“Denmark has become a good friend and a reliable partner for us. We especially value the support we receive at the most difficult time for Ukraine. I thank the entire Danish people, the Government of Denmark and our partners for supporting Mykolaiv. We greatly appreciate that you stand by us and help us endure,” said the mayor.

Source: Mykolaiv City Council.

Earlier we wrote:

• Mykolaiv authorities and the TCC agreed to work together to return veterans to civilian life
• Mykolaiv under fire shares survival experience: Denmark adopts our defense schemes
• Women from the Mykolaiv region are being recruited to work as sappers: salaries are high, but the risks are considerable
• Dangerous mines found in Mykolaiv! Territory surveys continue
• Over 13,000 ha have already been cleared in the Mykolaiv region, of which 9,000 ha are agricultural land