Australian Businessman and Philanthropist Andrew Forrest to Allocate $3.2 Million for Demining in Ukraine

Australian philanthropist, businessman and founder of the Fortescue Metals Group mining company Andrew Forrest and his ex-wife Nicola, through their Minderoo Foundation, have pledged to allocate AU$5 million (over $3.2 million) for demining projects in Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

The funds will be used to "neutralize landmines in those regions of Ukraine where crops are grown to make them safe for farmers."

According to Andrew Forrest, almost a million people in Ukraine's agricultural sector have lost their livelihoods as a result of the Russian invasion, which is now in its third year. The danger of landmines and other munitions means that farmers cannot return to their land until it is safe to do so.

"Ukraine's agriculture sector is vital to the global food supply and is the largest supplier of wheat to the UN World Food Programme's hunger relief effort, meaning that restoring farming is critical for many people around the world," Forrest said.

Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko thanked the Foundation for its support.

"Philanthropy and business have a key role to play in Ukraine's recovery. This is something that citizens around the world can do. Citizens must stand up to tyranny with what they have. The Minderoo Foundation is leading by example; we need other citizens and organizations to follow," he wrote on Twitter.

According to Myroshnychenko, the foundation will provide direct support to more than 4,600 farmers, and more than 11,520 people will be trained in explosive ordnance disposal. The project will give priority to farmers in Mykolaiv, Kherson and Kharkiv regions who can no longer cultivate land because of mines.