Stalker 2 studio is raffling keychains made from a shot-down Russian helicopter to raise funds for mine removal in the real-world Chornobyl Exclusion Zone

GSC Game World, the studio behind the Stalker 2 video game, has teamed up with Ukrainian charity United24 to launch a fundraising drive. The goal is to raise $100,000 to aid the removal of mines and explosive devices from the real-life Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. This area, established in 1986 following the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, is highly radioactive and off-limits to the public due to its hazardous nature. However, its scientific importance remains, and ongoing maintenance is necessary.

The situation worsened when Russian forces occupied the Zone and the power plant during Ukraine's invasion. After their withdrawal, mines and explosives left behind continue to endanger returning workers and researchers. At least eight explosions have injured or killed staff and soldiers since the Russian forces departed. A key objective is creating safe routes for firefighting and rescue teams, allowing them to efficiently respond to fires in the Zone without putting their lives at risk.

United24 emphasizes that demining efforts are primarily about ensuring the safety of daily workers in the Zone - scientists and energy workers. They highlight the creation of safe routes for these teams, minimizing risks from mines. Clearing mines is rewarding in itself, as the UN reported in 2025 that civilian injuries and deaths from landmines had reached their highest level in four years, partly due to funding shortages.

In exchange for a minimum donation of $10 to GSC's fundraising campaign, participants can enter a raffle for various prizes, including patches, t-shirts, a key for the Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl Ultimate Edition, and a unique collectible statuette made from a Russian Mi-8 helicopter shot down over the Zone.

GSC Game World views Chornobyl as integral to their gaming universe, representing a vital piece of Ukrainian cultural identity. In light of the ongoing war, they aim to use their work for a meaningful cause, contributing to Ukraine's recovery from the Russian invasion. This demining initiative is a significant and symbolic mission for the entire studio, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring that danger remains within the game and not in real-world Ukraine.