An expert discussion titled «Joint Actions Against Illegal Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives in Ukraine» was held with the participation of Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Klymenko and OSCE Special Representative Ambassador Petr Maresh, organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in collaboration with the OSCE.
The event included Deputy Ministers of Internal Affairs, representatives from various state bodies, international organizations, and members of the Ukrainian Parliament. The moderator was Mykola Hryntsov, Director of the Department of Interaction with the National Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The Minister emphasized that controlling the arms trade during wartime is crucial for the security of both Ukraine and Europe.
«The extensive frontline and intense fighting pose a high risk of weapons and ammunition entering criminal circles. We are implementing measures to mitigate these processes and are introducing projects that will enhance citizen security and lay the groundwork for post-war recovery in Ukraine,» noted Igor Klymenko.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs continues to improve its arms control systems, aligning them with international standards, particularly through the introduction of a Unified Register of Weapons, which enhances control over firearms in Ukraine.
«The Unified Register of Weapons, operational since June 2023, simplifies the registration process for citizens while simultaneously strengthening oversight. We are actively working on digitizing services in the field of arms control,» the Minister added.
Furthermore, the Minister noted that since November 25 of last year, Ukraine has been undergoing a voluntary weapons declaration process, allowing citizens to legalize unregistered firearms and retain them after the end of martial law.
The Ministry is also focused on public outreach to raise legal awareness and inform citizens about the consequences of illegal possession or sale of weapons.
OSCE Special Representative Ambassador Petr Maresh highlighted Ukraine's achievements in establishing the Unified Register of Weapons and the Coordination Center for combating illegal arms trade, as well as law enforcement efforts to ensure public safety during the ongoing invasion.
"The illegal trade of firearms is closely linked to organized crime, posing serious threats to communities worldwide. This issue encompasses not only security but also economics, democracy, and politics. Therefore, we are joining forces with government representatives and international partners to combat the illegal arms trade in Ukraine,” emphasized Petr Maresh.
During the event, participants discussed the results of the voluntary weapons declaration initiative, future steps for international cooperation in arms control, and information campaigns aimed at increasing public awareness.
The event also served as an important platform for exchanging experiences, establishing new cooperation formats with international partners, and developing joint initiatives to tackle the illegal arms trade.