Misha Collins recorded a message for the International Day for Mine Awareness

Due to russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine is the most heavily mined country in the world. Hundreds of civilians, including children, have lost their lives to mine-related violence. This is why UNITED24 Ambassador Misha Collins recorded a special address to bring attention to this crucial topic.

In the video, Misha mentioned Yakiv, a Ukrainian sapper, whom he met in 2023 during his visit to Irpin. At the time, he went to a forest that had been occupied by russian troops in the first months of the full-scale invasion. Thousands of russian soldiers had been stationed there, along with ammunition depots and artillery positions used to shell Irpin and nearby settlements.

After the area was liberated, it was only possible to move through the forest along a single path — without stepping off it and only accompanied by deminers. Yakiv was the one who guided Misha along that route.

Yakiv is originally from Donetsk. In 2014, he joined a special unit of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a volunteer. Later, he moved to Irpin, where he planned to build his life with his family. However, in February 2022, his home was among the first to be occupied.

After the Kyiv region was liberated, russian forces left behind thousands of mines and explosive traps. Yakiv chose not to wait for someone else to deal with it, and in September 2022, he began training to become a sapper. Today, he works every day so that people can return home and not be afraid to step outside.

Thank you, Misha! You can support them in their work by donating to the Humanitarian Demining program.