Ukraine enhances legal framework capacities to prosecute CBRN crimes through EU-supported training

 

Ukraine is facing one of the most complex and critical security challenges of its modern history. With the escalation of hostilities since the Russian invasion, the country has not only had to defend its borders but also prepare for the emerging threats of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) crimes. These threats are not abstract; they are real and present dangers, capable of devastating lives, ecosystems, and economies. In response, Ukraine is committed to strengthening its legal infrastructure to combat these crimes - an effort that takes on new urgency given the stakes.

International collaboration for legal framework strengthening

In late February 2025, Ukraine participated in a significant EU-supported workshop that brought together Ukrainian authorities and international experts to enhance the country’s capacities to criminalise CBRN-related offenses amid growing threats.

Organised by UNICRI within the framework of the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence, the two-day (27-28 February) workshop, hosted in Zilina, Slovakia, aimed to support Ukraine in refining its strategies and legal frameworks in prosecuting CBRN crimes. The initiative is part of Ukraine’s broader efforts to meet its international obligations and align its legal framework with global standards for managing CBRN risks.

"Confronted with numerous war crimes and military offenses committed by Russia, we recognised critical gaps in our ability to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate CBRN cases before international courts, particularly in maintaining the chain of custody. It became clear that we needed external support to strengthen our expertise in this area."

Maksym Ilchenko, Ukraine’s Deputy National Focal Point, underscored the importance of this effort

The workshop covered vital areas such as CBRN legislation, classification, and criminalisation, with Ukrainian participants also gaining critical insight into model national laws and best practices endorsed by global organisations. The event fostered an understanding of the importance of a harmonised international approach to combating CBRN crimes.

"The dedicated CBRN prosecution project is helping Ukraine build stronger cases for international courts, ensuring accountability for war crimes."

Ilchenko emphasised the role of this initiative in Ukraine’s legal system

The role of global expertise and comprehensive capacity-building

The success of this initiative is due to the concerted effort of European Union and the ‘One UN-Family’, a coalition of international organizations including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This diverse coalition brought together a wealth of experience, ensuring the workshop addressed the full scope of CBRN challenges facing Ukraine today. 

The collaboration underscores the crucial role of cross-border cooperation in tackling such high-stakes threats.

The training materials included invaluable resources such as the Prosecutor’s Guide to Chemical and Biological Crimes (2022) and the Prosecutor’s Guide to Radiological and Nuclear Crimes (2024), essential references for Ukrainian legal professionals. These guides are crucial tools in aiding prosecutors and law enforcement in building cases for CBRN offenses, offering practical advice that aligns with global standards of criminal justice.

A path forward: practical training and mock trials

The workshop is part of a long-term effort aimed at building Ukraine’s capacity to address CBRN crimes comprehensively. Following the February workshop, Ukraine will host two  specialised training courses: 

• 'Building a Case for Prosecution of CBRN Crimes’, where participants will gain practical experience in constructing cases for prosecution. 
• Mock Trial / Moot Court session that will simulate the prosecution and defense of CBRN-related crimes, offering a platform for participants to hone their skills in real-world scenarios.

"At the end of the program, the Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine intends to integrate some of these training modules into the national training framework for law enforcement, prosecution, and judicial authorities." 

Ilchenko highlighed the project’s long-term impact on the country’s judicial system

Building national security and upholding global responsibility

Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its legal framework against CBRN threats reflect its commitment to safeguarding national security and adhering to international obligations.

In the face of a war that has already imposed immense human and economic costs, Ukraine’s work to criminalise CBRN offenses is an essential component of its resilience. This initiative provides a critical safeguard against the potential use of CBRN weapons, which could have devastating consequences not only for Ukraine but for the broader international community.

The cooperation between Ukraine and its international partners, alongside the implementation of best practices, is a testament to the collective responsibility shared by nations in addressing CBRN risks. The February workshop in Slovakia represents just one step in a larger and ongoing effort that will continue to build Ukraine's legal and institutional capacity to respond effectively to these grave security threats. By addressing both the immediate and long-term threats posed by CBRN weapons, Ukraine’s partnership with international experts plays a vital role in reinforcing global peace and security.