OSCE conducts inter-agency training to combat illicit trafficking of weapons, ammunition, and explosives in Ukraine

In April 2026, as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s border security, the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre launched a specialised inter-agency training program focused on countering the illicit trafficking of weapons, ammunition, and explosives.

The pilot training brought together 21 representatives from the State Customs Service, State Border Guard Service, National Police, and the Security Service of Ukraine. The primary objective was to establish a joint "algorithm of action," aligning inter-agency procedures with European best practices to ensure a unified approach – from initial detection at the border to safe identification and formal transfer for investigation.

Throughout the course, experts from FRONTEX and the Belgian Federal Police provided insights into global smuggling trends and advanced concealment techniques. Beyond the theoretical foundation, participants acquired intensive practical skills by tackling real-case scenarios at the border, such as uncovering sophisticated compartments and utilising specialised equipment to identify hidden weapons. 

"Combating the illicit trafficking of weapons and explosives is a constant 'race' against those who adapt cutting-edge technologies and tactics to serve their own ends. In these circumstances, the exchange of expertise with colleagues and international partners ceases to be a formality and becomes a strategic necessity. This inter-agency training serves as a platform for real synergy, where we go beyond simply demonstrating results to building a reliable barrier at the border. Our effectiveness in this field today is based on such key elements as high awareness among personnel on the front lines of control, information support, interagency interaction, and appropriate modern technical equipment. These very tools enable us to effectively counteract offenders. Such efforts will always be an integral part of the painstaking work of specialists and organisations, whose dedication is one of the pillars of strengthening national security and a guarantee of peace for our citizens," said Oleksii Solomin, State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

The training marks the beginning of a broader initiative, with additional sessions scheduled throughout 2026. Each subsequent program will be refined based on these initial outcomes to establish a robust, nationwide network of specialists.

This initiative is a part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project "In support of strengthening the capacities of Ukrainian authorities in preventing and combating illicit trafficking of weapons, ammunition and explosives in all its aspects" funded by the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Poland and the U.K. The training was also supported by FRONTEX and the Vehicle Concealment Expert Group established under the EMPACT framework.