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Ukraine Ihor Shevstov

Mine Action Officer
A Day In The Life Of CTG Staff
Ihor is constantly motivated by the joyous faces of Ukrainian children who can finally return to their homes and play in their yards.

A lifetime of service

Before starting his humanitarian work with CTG, Ihor served in the military for 30 years and after that, worked for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Armenia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. These experiences gave him the necessary technical skills to introduce existing and new demining technologies to CTG. 

CTG mine action programmes: a day in the life

Ihor works in the field with CTG and Ukrainian demining authorities identifying the needs and necessary equipment to remove mines in the field, whilst also delivering tangible assistance to local communities. Ihor prides himself in working directly with civilians, he’s constantly motivated by “the joyous faces of Ukrainian children who can finally return to their homes and play in their yards.” 

Doing it for the children

Ihor recounts an incident when, during a trip to Kharkiv, he was warmly greeted by a group of school children who excitedly gave him a tour of their school. When a raid siren disrupted their tour, Ihor was surprised to find that the children were the ones to comfort him – and became chillingly aware of the ways in which children had become accustomed to the conditions of war. Working on the frontlines of conflict can be disheartening, but Ihor’s experience reminded him of the reality of war and how deeply affected children are. This reminder, “drives us with triple strength to engage in humanitarian missions, to bring deep happiness to little children, to free them from the thoughts of war and allow them to remember that they still have their childhood.” 

Hope for Ukraine and future humanitarians

Ihor strongly believes that the current instability in Ukraine is the country’s dark night before its dawn, and remarks on the optimism of Ukrainians who smile from their shelters while hiding from bombing attacks. He believes that he owes his success in humanitarian efforts to being himself, respecting those around him, and speaking to people in their own language. He advises that anyone wanting to commit themselves to humanitarian aid should “love the people and life around (them) – and life will love (them)”.