Immediately after returning from the United Arab Emirates, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Defense Minister Andriy Taran, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Ruslan Khomchak, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Roman Mashovets and Hero of Ukraine, Member of the Verkhovna Rada Security Committee Ihor Herasymenko. The President was informed about the details of the death of three Ukrainian servicemen, which occured on Sunday in the Novoluhanske district, Donbas.
"There are still many questions. Who planted the mines? Why weren't our men who served in this area warned about them? Were there any warning signs? Some data simply cannot be provided in a day. The SBI has already started the investigation. In addition, I commission the leadership of the Armed Forces to conduct training on compliance with safety measures when dealing with explosive devices, compliance with safety rules for the movement of personnel, weapons and military equipment on the ground, deployment to combat positions, observation posts and movement between bases. By the end of the month, they must check all minefields on roads and transport routes. Their expediency is important. Obsolete and inexpedient mines must be removed with relevant specification in the corresponding documents. We must continue demining even more actively: there should be no mines where there is no threat of a rapid attack, where people live, where there is a constant move of our servicemen,” the President instructed.
The President also stressed the importance of humanitarian demining in Donbas.
"Demining of kindergartens, schools and hospitals was among the agreements of the leaders of the Normandy Four at a meeting in Paris in December 2019. The task is not easy and fast. Mines have literally become synonymous with the loss of life of our military and residents of Donbas. Without demining, we will never return to a peaceful life," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak also noted that the need for humanitarian demining is being raised at the negotiations of all levels.
The Head of State gave 10 days to establish those responsible for the tragedy.
"Once again, my sincere condolences to the families and friends," the President said.