How Ukraine Tackles Illicit Firearms Trafficking: Some Highlights from the Conference in Kyiv
December 16, 2024
The illicit circulation of weapons poses significant risks to public safety, undermines the rule of law, and fuels organised crime. Ukraine, facing the dual burden of war and resource constraints, has intensified its efforts to address these threats.
“Ukraine has managed to maintain control over the circulation of small arms and light weapons, secure stockpiles, and effectively counteract attempts to smuggle SALW across the border, despite the unprecedented challenges posed by Russia’s full-scale invasion,” said Rolf Holmboe, EUAM Head of Mission, in his opening speech at the Second National Conference on Preventing and Combating Illicit Trafficking of Weapons, Ammunition and Explosives in Ukraine. Organised by the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre, the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the event served as a platform to share national perspectives, discuss law enforcement responses, and explore international collaboration to strengthen Ukraine’s capacity to combat these threats amidst ongoing Russian aggression.
The conference brought together policymakers, law enforcement officials, civil society organisations, and international stakeholders to tackle the challenges of illicit arms trafficking.
Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies presented an overview of their comprehensive approach, including border controls, surveillance, criminal investigations, and inter-agency collaboration.
International counterparts emphasised the importance of establishing clear rules for civilian firearms ownership and enhancing measures against illicit manufacturing and trafficking. These objectives can be achieved through legislative and operational reforms. In this context, EUAM highlighted draft law No. 5708, “On the Right to Civilian Firearms,” as an important step towards aligning Ukraine’s legal framework with the EU Firearms Directive.
Milestones such as the establishment of the National Coordination Centre for Combating the Illegal Trafficking of Firearms and the launch of the Unified Firearms Register were recognised as significant advancements in strengthening operational capabilities.
By creating a platform for dialogue, the conference laid the groundwork for sustained progress in addressing illicit arms trafficking. These efforts are vital not only for ensuring Ukraine’s safety but also for advancing its alignment with European security standards.
