The Kharkiv region was one of the key combat zones at the beginning of the full-scale war. It was here that the front line ran in 2022, and it was here that fierce battles took place that determined the further course of the war. The Balakliia community is one of those places where Ukrainian troops stopped the enemy and launched a counteroffensive that became a turning point for the entire country.
But victory on the battlefield has another side – the consequences that communities still live with today. The fields that once yielded harvests have remained neglected since 2022. People were afraid to go out on the land because there could be mines or shell remnants. For farmers, this meant a halt in production, loss of income, and future development.
Non-Technical Survey: The first step to safety
Specialists of the “Atom” Charitable Foundation conducted a free non-technical survey (NTS) of the territories of two agricultural enterprises in the Balakliia community – the “Solis Agro” farm and “AZIZ” LLC.
The total area of the surveyed land was 553.72 hectares.
Of these, about 400 hectares were identified as contaminated areas (CA).
During the survey, explosive objects of the 1st and 2nd categories were found – remnants of “Grad” multiple launch rocket system projectiles and mortar mines.
Every such finding is not just a fragment of war. It is a real danger to farmers, their workers, equipment, and even children who may accidentally find themselves on these lands.
Why is this important?
The Kharkiv region is an agricultural region. The land here is the main wealth that feeds communities and ensures the development of the local economy. Losing the ability to cultivate it means losing harvests, jobs, and food security.
The work of the NTS group of the “Atom” Foundation became the first step towards returning these territories to agricultural use. After the survey, the community and land owners receive a clear picture of the risks and can plan further actions – from conducting a technical survey and demining to restoring agricultural production.
Land returning to life
It is symbolic that near Nova Husarivka – a village that witnessed fierce battles – another process is beginning today: the process of recovery. Where the front line once ran, the harvest will grow again.
The “Atom” Charitable Foundation continues to work in the Kharkiv region and other regions to make Ukrainian land safe again. Our task is not only to clear the fields of explosive objects but also to restore communities’ confidence in tomorrow.
The “Atom” Foundation: we conduct free non-technical surveys so that the communities of Ukraine can live and work without fear.
