SEESAC Participates in the Third National Conference on Preventing and Combating Illicit Arms Trafficking in Ukraine

SEESAC took part in the Third National Conference on Preventing and Combating Trafficking and Illicit Circulation of Weapons, Ammunition and Explosives in Ukraine, held on 25 November 2025 in Kyiv, upon the invitation of the OSCE, in cooperation with the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. The conference gathered over 100 representatives from Ukrainian institutions and international partners working to strengthen national capacities to counter illicit arms trafficking. 

Participants included representatives of key national institutions such as the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament), Office of the Prosecutor General, Ministry of Internal Affairs, National Police, Border Guard Service, Security Service, and Customs Service, alongside representatives of international organizations - OSCE, EUAM, UNODC, Small Arms Survey, GI-TOC, and UNDP SEESAC.

SEESAC contributed as a panellist in the session dedicated to approaches of European institutions and international organisations in supporting Ukraine’s efforts to counter illicit trafficking of weapons, ammunition and explosives.

Sharing lessons learned from over two decades of work in the Western Balkans, SEESAC highlighted:

  • The value of strong inter-institutional coordination through national SALW commissions and Firearms Focal Points.
  • The importance of strategic and operational information exchange as a core element of effective SALW control systems.
  • Opportunities for continued cooperation with Ukrainian authorities, including support to legislative development, operational coordination, and participation in SEESAC regional platforms such as harmonization workshops, the SEEFEN network, and the SALW Commissions Process. 

Across three thematic panels, Ukrainian authorities and international experts examined current risks and trends in illicit arms trafficking amid the ongoing war, highlighting significant legislative gaps and the urgency of adopting pending firearms laws. Discussions also focused on the establishment of the new National Coordination Centre and progress toward developing Ukraine’s national SALW strategy, while noting persistently high levels of weapons and ammunition seizures and the growing need for strengthened operational capacities.

Participants also viewed an exhibition of specialized detection equipment used by Ukrainian law enforcement agencies and observed a demonstration by K9 units. 

SEESAC’s participation helped reinforce ongoing cooperation with Ukrainian counterparts and international partners, contributing to a better understanding of evolving SALW control priorities, challenges, and assistance needs in Ukraine.
SEESAC remains committed to supporting Ukraine in strengthening its national SALW control framework and aligning with international and EU standards.

Back