Discussion on Arms Control Measures in Ukraine
An expert discussion took place at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, moderated by Igor Klymenko, the Minister of Internal Affairs. The topic was: “Joint Efforts to Combat Illegal Trafficking of Weapons, Ammunition, and Explosive Materials in Ukraine,” organized in partnership with the OSCE.
Participants included deputies of the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, representatives from the National Police, the Prosecutor General's Office, the Security Service of Ukraine, the State Bureau of Investigation, as well as international organizations, deputies, and members of the Verkhovna Rada's Committee on Law Enforcement Activities. The discussion was moderated by Mykola Hryntsev.
The Minister emphasized that controlling the circulation of weapons is a critical aspect of security, especially in wartime.
“In the context of active hostilities, there is a risk of weapons falling into criminal hands. We aim to prevent these phenomena by implementing various security measures to protect citizens,” highlighted Igor Klymenko.
The Ministry continues to improve control over the circulation of weapons, aligning it with international standards. One key step has been the establishment of a Unified Register of Weapons, which facilitates control over firearms in Ukraine.
“Since June 2023, the Unified Register has been operational, simplifying the registration process for citizens while enhancing oversight,” noted the Minister.
Additionally, he pointed out the ongoing process of voluntary weapon declaration that has been active since November 25 of last year, allowing citizens to legalize unregistered weapons. The Ministry is also actively working to raise public legal awareness regarding the responsibilities associated with illegal storage of weapons.
The OSCE Special Representative commended Ukraine's achievements in establishing the Unified Register and ensuring citizen safety during wartime.
“Illegal trafficking of firearms poses serious threats to security and economy. We must unite our efforts with international partners to combat these challenges,” stressed Petr Maresh.
The discussion included three thematic blocks, where participants thoroughly examined the outcomes of the voluntary weapon declaration initiative, plans for international cooperation, and public awareness campaigns.
The event also served as an important platform for experience sharing and new formats of cooperation with international partners.
