Bomb disposal expert receives Ukrainian award

Mr Remfrey was appointed an MBE in 2006 for worldwide humanitarian work in the field of awareness of mines

A bomb disposal expert from Guernsey has been given an award from the Ukrainian military for his services during the war.

Former soldier Ben Remfrey, who has been clearing mines and other ordnances in the country, has been awarded an official Cross of Support to Ukraine.

He co-founded Friends of Ukraine-EOD, a charity aimed at training Ukrainians in clearing unexploded mines.

Mr Remfrey said the award followed months of "tireless dedication and work since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine".

He said they had trained over 400 Ukrainians to international clearance standards.

"Being the head of the organisation, it's always nice to have recognition but I'm acutely aware that the award goes to the entire organisation as well as myself."

'No zero to hero'

Mr Remfrey said his training had to be progressive and had changed as the war continued.

"There is no zero to hero in terms of being trained...

"People have to understand that there are a lot of land service ammunitions like hand grenades and mortars which are knocking around, but there are also large missiles and other abandoned ammunition storages.

"All of these areas have to be addressed differently and the process has to be as safe as possible."

Mr Remfrey moves between his training facility in Kosovo and working in Ukraine.

He said he has noticed a difference in the mood of Ukrainians as time had passed.

"Initially I expect everybody would understand that when your country has been invaded by the Russian Federation, there's a lot of fear and a lot of uncertainly.

"The longer the war has gone on, the more confident the Ukrainians have become."

'Heavily contaminated'

He said as the war continued, the amount of work needed to safely dispose of ammunition and explosives would increase.

"While I'm very supportive of the military and the award is from the military, I'm also aware that we have to be involved with all groups because Ukraine is the most heavily contaminated country on Earth now in terms of explosive remanence of war.

"The task ahead of us is a huge one.

"The legacy of this war will go on for many, many years."