“Support of strengthening capacity of Ukrainian authorities in preventing and combating illicit trafficking in weapons, ammunition and explosives in all its aspects” – the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe program, which was joined by th

“Support of strengthening capacity of Ukrainian authorities in preventing and combating illicit trafficking in weapons, ammunition and explosives in all its aspects” – the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe program, which was joined by the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

Over 80 representatives from Ukraine, the donor community and international partner organizations met, April 14, in an online meeting to discuss cooperation and programmatic efforts in developing and implementing strategic approaches of combating illicit trafficking of weapons, ammunition and explosives (WAE), as well as implementing practical measures in this direction.

The State Border Guard Service was represented on the online platform by Andriy Vikhtiuk, Director of the Department of Organization of Work, Planning and Control of the State Border Guard Service Administration. In his address to the participants of the meeting, he stressed: “We understand that the situation at the state border is a kind of indicator of border security. Combating the smuggling of weapons and means of terror is one of the Service's priorities. Today, we have a common vision with our European counterparts in countering these challenges.”

As part of the project, the border agency has implemented a number of measures. Particularly, the state registration of the international technical assistance project was carried out, an expert working group was created, 5 basic and 1 specialized trainings with the staff of agency were conducted. In addition, the border guards agreed on technical specifications for the purchase of dog equipment, border control equipment, computer equipment and equipment for criminal analysis.

This year it is planned to equip 3 classrooms on the basis of the National Academy of State Border Guard Service. Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, the Main Personnel Training Center and the Orshanets Training Center. Border guards will also take part in holding national and regional round tables to identify technical issues in the field of combating illicit trafficking in Ukraine. In addition, it is planned to conduct 2 specialized trainings and a training module for trainers to obtain property under the project of an international visit to exchange experience in the field of cynology.