Coordination and progress meetings in Kyiv

In August, as part of the Survey’s German Federal Foreign Office-funded work in Ukraine, Survey Director Mark Downes and experts Nicolas Florquin and Aline Shaban travelled to Kyiv to convene with our project partner the Center for Security Studies 'CENSS' and other stakeholders on the status and next steps of our ongoing programme. The team met with members of the Ukrainian Networking Group (UNG), an inclusive network of Ukrainian experts established in 2023 to focus work on three priorities: 

• Enhancing the role of local governments, other local stakeholders, journalists, and research institutions in countering illicit weapons.
• Supporting the enhancement of the regulatory framework for small arms and light weapons in Ukraine, taking into consideration good practices from other countries and regions.
• Countering illegal firearms manufacturing and other emerging threats, including 3D printing of firearms.

The recent visit served to review the progress of the microgrant projects currently being implemented in support of the UNG strategy. These projects include youth awareness videos on the dangers of illicit small arms and explosives, examining arms regulations, surveying challenges faced by National Police combating illicit small arms and light weapons trafficking, and analysing court practices and arms trafficking cases under Ukraine’s Criminal Code.

In addition, there were meetings with key institutions, notably the National University of Kyiv and the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, and various Ukrainian authorities and international partners to present the Survey’s current findings. 

The resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people underscored the foundational objectives and real-world impact of the Survey’s research and work in the region.