The effective investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of crimes involving Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) materials remain a significant challenge for justice and security institutions worldwide. Such offences often involve complex technical evidence, transnational dimensions, and potentially severe consequences for public safety and national security. Developing comprehensive legal frameworks and operational procedures to address these threats is therefore essential, particularly in environments where evolving risks demand continuous adaptation.
To support these efforts, a CBRN Criminalization Workshop for Ukraine was conducted in Uzhhorod from 30 to 31 July 2026 under the framework of the “Themis” project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA). The workshop brought together twenty representatives from law enforcement agencies, prosecutors’ offices, judicial institutions, government ministries, and technical experts to strengthen Ukraine’s capacity to criminalize and effectively respond to CBRN-related offences.
Advancing a comprehensive approach to CBRN criminalization
The workshop was designed as an integrated “One-Stop-Shop” platform for examining the legal, operational, and strategic dimensions of CBRN criminalization. Participants explored how national legislation can effectively address the full spectrum of CBRN offences, including the illicit possession, trafficking, diversion, and malicious use of hazardous materials.
A key focus of the discussions was the alignment of national legal frameworks with international obligations and standards. Participants examined the role of major international instruments and mechanisms that underpin global CBRN governance, including the following:
The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and its implementation framework led by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW);
The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) under the auspices of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA);
The Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) administered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA);
The International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT), supported by UNODC and UNOCT;
The UN Secretary-General’s Mechanism (UNSGM) for investigating allegations involving the use of chemical and biological weapons.
By examining these instruments in a practical context, participants gained a deeper understanding of how international requirements can be translated into effective domestic legislation, institutional responsibilities, and enforcement mechanisms.
Practical training for legal and operational professionals
The workshop combined expert presentations with interactive exercises, enabling participants to bridge legal concepts and operational practice. Key sessions addressed:
Comparative approaches to CBRN criminalization and legislation in different jurisdictions;
Human rights considerations in the investigation and prosecution of CBRN-related offences;
Review of Ukraine’s existing legal and regulatory framework relating to CBRN security and safety;
Mechanisms for international judicial and law enforcement cooperation;
Development and implementation of CBRN Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs);
Practical exercises focusing on institutional roles, responsibilities, and inter-agency coordination during CBRN incidents.
These sessions provided an opportunity for participants to identify challenges, exchange experiences, and discuss practical solutions to strengthening Ukraine’s criminal justice response to CBRN threats.
Addressing the nexus between CBRN risks and hybrid threats
A distinctive feature of the Uzhhorod workshop was the inclusion of a dedicated session on CBRN risks within the broader landscape of hybrid threats and regional security challenges, with a specific focus on Ukraine.
Participants examined how CBRN-related scenarios may intersect with hybrid threat activities, including disinformation campaigns, sabotage, critical infrastructure disruption, and cross-border security risks. Discussions explored emerging trends and the importance of coordinated regional approaches to prevention, preparedness, response, and legal accountability.
The session encouraged participants to assess vulnerabilities, strengthen information-sharing mechanisms, and consider how legal frameworks can adapt to increasingly complex security environments where conventional and unconventional threats may overlap.
Promoting dialogue through interactive engagement
The workshop also incorporated the “World Café” methodology, creating a collaborative environment where participants could engage in structured discussions on legislative development and institutional cooperation. Through a series of facilitated exchanges, stakeholders explored practical pathways for advancing CBRN criminalization efforts, improving policy coordination, and enhancing cooperation among relevant national authorities.
This participatory format enabled participants to share perspectives from different sectors, identify common obstacles, and develop recommendations tailored to Ukraine’s legal, operational, and security context.
Identifying priorities for future capacity building
An important outcome of the workshop was the identification of key legislative, institutional, and operational priorities that will support future capacity-building efforts in Ukraine. Participants highlighted areas where additional guidance, training, and inter-agency cooperation could further enhance the country's ability to prevent, investigate, and prosecute CBRN-related offences while responding effectively to evolving security challenges.
The findings from the workshop will contribute to the continued development of Ukraine’s CBRN governance capabilities and help shape future activities under the Themis project. By strengthening legal frameworks, fostering institutional cooperation, and addressing the growing nexus between CBRN risks and hybrid threats, the workshop marked an important step toward enhancing national resilience and regional security.
Background: Themis project and training courses
Funded by Global Affairs Canada and the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, the Themis project is implemented by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI).
The project supports Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in strengthening national capacities to prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to chemical and broader chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) security threats. More specifically, it enhances the operational capacities of intelligence, law enforcement, investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial authorities to address the growing risks posed by the misuse of chemical weapons and the trafficking of hazardous materials by non-State actors, particularly in conflict-affected and high-risk environments. By strengthening sustainable training systems, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and promoting alignment with international standards, the project contributes to reducing vulnerabilities to CBRN incidents and to reinforcing national resilience against these threats.
The CBRN criminalization workshop serves as a continuation of the broader efforts to increase the capacity of Ukraine and Moldova to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate crimes involving CBRN materials, implemented under the European Union CBRN Centres of Excellence (EU CBRN CoE) Initiative, which has successfully delivered CBRN criminalization workshops in six countries. This regional effort aims to harmonise legal approaches, strengthen international cooperation, and enhance preparedness against CBRN threats.