Prince Harry left stunned as he highlights 'lifesaving' progress made possible by AI and robots

Svar Nanan-Sen
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:19:25 +0000

Prince Harry travelled to Bucha in Ukraine today, where he participated in a demonstration of cutting-edge de-mining technology alongside the HALO Trust, the world's largest humanitarian mine clearance organisation.

Donning a pilot headset, Harry took control of an artificial intelligence-powered drone designed to locate and chart the positions of deadly explosives hidden beneath the ground.

Following the aerial demonstration, he also operated robotic equipment used by the charity's teams to safely extract munitions from contaminated soil.

The visit highlighted the technological advances that have transformed how experts tackle the lethal legacy of conflict zones.

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During his time in Bucha, the Duke of Sussex paid tribute at the town's memorial honouring civilians who lost their lives during the Russian occupation, which lasted from February 27 to March 31 2022.

When Ukrainian forces drove out Russian troops, the surrounding land and structures remained strewn with hazardous ordnance, including missiles, bombs, grenades and landmines left behind from the intense combat.

After years of painstaking clearance efforts by HALO specialists, the majority of terrain around Bucha has now been rendered safe for residents.

Prince Harry reflected on the remarkable evolution in mine clearance methods since his mother Princess Diana visited Angola nearly three decades ago.

"It's amazing to see technology transform the work of the HALO Trust – making mine clearance smarter, faster and safer," he said.

"When my mother visited Angola nearly thirty years ago, deminers carried out their work on their hands and knees to uncover hidden explosives. Now they're also using drones, AI and robots for greater precision and protection."

The Duke of Sussex described the advances as "lifesaving" rather than mere progress, noting that HALO's teams enable farmers to cultivate their land without fear despite the ongoing conflict.

Prince Harry also expressed pride in supporting this new generation of mine clearance, stating that while Ukraine remains at war, "HALO's work brings safety and hope."

The scale of contamination is staggering. Ukrainian government estimates from 2022 suggested approximately 174,000 square kilometres – an area twice the size of Austria – could be riddled with explosives.

HALO's technology-driven approach has confirmed over 29,000 square kilometres as safe, enabling displaced families to return home.

The organisation has destroyed more than 60,000 explosive items.

Ivan Kovalchuk, a Bucha occupation survivor, said: "It was a terrible time and, even after the Russians were driven out, this place was still so dangerous."