Prince Harry visited demining teams from the HALO Trust near the Ukrainian town of Bucha, witnessing firsthand how modern technology is reshaping efforts to clear land mines left behind by war.
The visit holds deep personal significance, as the charity became globally recognized through the work of his mother, Princess Diana, who famously raised awareness about the dangers of land mines in the 1990s.
Exploring Cutting-Edge Demining Technology
During the visit, Prince Harry observed how artificial intelligence and robotics are revolutionizing mine clearance. He even participated in demonstrations, using a virtual reality headset to pilot an AI-powered drone designed to detect and map explosives.
He also operated a robot used to safely retrieve unexploded ordnance—tools that significantly reduce risks for deminers working in hazardous environments.
“It’s amazing to see how technology is transforming the work of the HALO Trust, making demining smarter, faster and safer,” Harry said.
A Region Scarred by War
The area around Bucha was heavily impacted during the early stages of the Russia-Ukraine War, when Russian forces occupied the region for a month following the invasion in February 2022.
After their withdrawal, vast areas were left contaminated with unexploded missiles, bombs, and grenades. According to HALO Trust, years of intensive work have made much of the land safer, though the threat remains widespread across the country.
Ukrainian authorities estimate that nearly a quarter of the nation’s territory—around 137,000 square kilometres—is still affected by land mines and unexploded ordnance.
From Diana’s Footsteps to Modern Innovation
Prince Harry reflected on how dramatically the field has evolved since his mother’s iconic 1997 visit to Angola, where she walked through an active minefield wearing protective gear to highlight the dangers civilians face.
“At that time, deminers were working on their knees to locate hidden explosives,” Harry noted. “Now they use drones, artificial intelligence, and robots for greater accuracy and protection.”
The moment underscored a powerful link between past advocacy and present innovation, bridging Princess Diana’s humanitarian legacy with today’s technological advancements.
A Continued Mission
Prince Harry’s trip to Ukraine—his third since the war began—reinforces his commitment to humanitarian causes and veteran support. His visit to HALO Trust teams highlights not only the scale of the land mine crisis but also the progress being made to address it safely and effectively.
By spotlighting both the human impact of war and the role of innovation in recovery, the Duke of Sussex continues to use his platform to draw global attention to urgent issues in conflict zones.
