From Agriculture to Demining: Natalia Hotun’s Mission to Clear Ukraine’s Landmines
As part of Norwegian People's Aid, Natalia works to make war-torn villages safe for farmers and families once again.
In Ukraine, where war has left vast areas littered with explosive remnants, the work of Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) is making a critical difference. From ensuring the safety of rural communities to restoring livelihoods, NPA's mine action program is at the forefront of reclaiming land and fostering recovery. One of the dedicated individuals leading this effort is Natalia Hotun, whose journey from agricultural technology to explosive ordnance disposal is both remarkable and inspiring.
From Farming Science to Life-Saving Demining Work
Natalia Hotun, originally an agricultural technology officer, once focused on the science behind farming. But as war ravaged her homeland, her mission changed.
“I like to do work that is good for the people. Thanks to our work at NPA, farmers can progress, more farmers will have jobs, and local economies as well as the national economy benefit. Farming is the only option, the only way to make a living, in many parts of rural Ukraine.”
Her commitment to her country led her to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) in Kherson, where she worked as an explosive ordnance identification officer. Soon after, she transitioned to NPA, where she found a role better suited to her aspirations.
“After I graduated from university, I started working with SESU in Kherson region, which is where I am from, as an explosive ordnance identification officer. After a year, I had the opportunity to join NPA, which is really good. NPA is less military-like, so I prefer it, but I still have good relations with my SESU colleagues. They do great work too.”
The Grim Reality of Mine Contamination
Natalia Hotun’s home village, Posad-Pokrovske, remains heavily contaminated by unexploded ordnance, particularly cluster munitions. The scale of the problem is devastating and she witnessed firsthand the deadly impact.
“There have been four accidents that I know of, mostly from cluster munitions,” she explains. The contamination is severe, with an average of four unexploded submunitions per square meter.
She recounts one villager that picked up a submunition to bring it home to show his father—he bled to death. Another put one in his pocket; it exploded, killing him instantly.
“Another victim was an old lady sweeping her yard. A submunition fell out of a tree. Its ribbon had been caught by a branch,” Natalia recalls. “She was injured but survived.”
Even roads, used daily by civilians, are not safe. “A civilian car hit a mine, and the driver was killed. I arrived at the scene very soon afterward as I was in the area. There was little left of the driver. Nothing to save. They never found the car engine,” she says. The road had been traveled frequently, leading her to believe the driver may have swerved slightly to avoid a stone—an action that proved fatal.
These tragedies highlight the urgency of NPA’s mission. For many in Ukraine’s rural communities, landmine contamination not only brings loss and fear but also prevents them from rebuilding their lives.
A Mission for Safety and Stability
Despite the harrowing realities of her work, Natalia remains motivated and hopeful.
“I am very motivated by my work. We need to clear our land and stop these accidents. They cause a lot of fear and deny the land to the farmers. People need to be able to drive on the roads without fear, to plough the land without fear.”
Beyond demining, Natalia sees the psychological toll of war on her people. The need for emotional and psychological support is just as critical as physical safety.
"I want peace as soon as possible," she said, emphasizing the urgent need for psychological assistance in the community.
Reflecting on her role, she explained, "I had to be a good listener after the liberation of the area around my home."
Initially, her mother had been very worried about her work. "My mum was also very worried at first," she shared, "but now she understands better and is ok with it."
The area had been plagued with many accidents, which seemed inevitable given the circumstances. "There were so many accidents in the area, it’s no wonder," she added.
Her mother, now more at ease with her work, continues to contribute in her own way. "She does her bit—she distributes food and water for vulnerable people in the community through the church."
Rebuilding and Moving Forward
The road to recovery in Ukraine is long, but with individuals like Natalia and organizations like NPA, there is hope. Natalia’s village was almost entirely destroyed, but she remains optimistic that it will rise again.
“90 percent of my village was destroyed. Zelensky promised to rebuild it.”
Through Norwegian People’s Aids mine action program, NPA is not only clearing explosives but also paving the way for a safer, more prosperous future for Ukrainians. Every cleared field, every reclaimed road, and every farmer able to return to their land is a step toward healing and rebuilding a war-torn nation.