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Strengthening Ukraine’s Capacity to Counter Proliferation Threats, Together
Strengthening Ukraine’s Capacity to Counter Proliferation Threats, Together
Kyiv, Ukraine

 

UNICRI Delivers Advanced Training for Ukrainian Authorities
 

The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), with support from the Governments of Italy and France, delivered two advanced training sessions on “Supply Chain Disruption” and “Proliferation Sanctions Implementation” from 14 to 18 July 2025 in Kyiv.

Organized at the request of the Ukrainian national authorities, the training aimed to build technical expertise in detecting, investigating, and disrupting sanctions evasion and proliferation-related activities. It provided participants with advanced tools, analytical methodologies, and opportunities for inter-agency knowledge exchange to address evolving proliferation threats. A total of 26 officials attended, representing law enforcement, financial authorities, and other key government agencies.

This initiative is part of UNICRI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen operational readiness to counter weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) proliferation threats in Ukraine.

 

Training Session 1: Supply Chain Disruption

The first session focused on systems thinking, network analysis, and operational disruption planning to combat illicit procurement networks. Special attention was given to unmanned aerial vehicle ((UAV) rocurement supply chains — a sector with significant dual-use considerations — supporting participants in mapping goods, financial flows, and information networks.

Hands-on exercises enabled participants to apply structured analytical techniques, identify intervention points, and develop integrated strategies to mitigate risks within strategic supply chains.

 

Training Session 2: Proliferation Sanctions Implementation

The second session expanded participation to a broader inter-agency audience, emphasizing the United Nations non-proliferation sanctions framework and related targeted financial measures. Using real-world case studies, participants examined sanctions evasion tactics and proliferation financing schemes while practicing risk assessment, red-flag identification, and compliance system strengthening.

The training underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration and public–private partnerships to enhance information sharing, strengthen regulatory compliance, and improve coordination between financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement authorities.

 

Key Outcomes

  • High Impact: Over 90% of participants reported significant knowledge gains and rated the training as highly relevant.

  • Applied Learning: Scenario-based exercises ensured direct applicability to operational roles.

  • Enhanced Coordination: Inter-agency participation improved dialogue, collaboration, and role clarity.

  • Strengthened Expertise: Specialized modules provided participants with actionable methodologies for investigating illicit procurement activities.

     

Continued Engagement in Ukraine

This training builds on UNICRI’s ongoing cooperation with Ukraine, which began with an awareness-raising workshop and consultations in Kyiv in July 2024. That initiative identified priority areas and laid the groundwork for tailored capacity-building programmes.

Thanks to the support of Italy and France, UNICRI continues to deliver specialized training and technical assistance to strengthen Ukraine’s institutional expertise and operational readiness in counter-proliferation and sanctions enforcement.

 

 

 

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