An event involving Ukraine's Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Klymenko and the OSCE Special Representative, Ambassador Petr Maresh, took place to discuss critical issues regarding weapon circulation control in Ukraine. This meeting was organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in cooperation with the OSCE.

Attendees included Deputy Ministers Oleksiy Serhiev and Bohdan Drapiatyi, representatives from the National Police, the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Security Service, the State Bureau of Investigation, and various international organizations. The moderator of the event was Mykola Hryntzov, Director of the Department of Interaction with the National Police at the Ministry.

The Minister emphasized the importance of controlling weapon circulation amid contemporary challenges, stating that security is crucial for both Ukraine and Europe as a whole.

"Given the ongoing active combat, there is a significant risk that firearms may fall into criminal groups. We are taking measures to prevent such situations by implementing projects that enhance citizen safety and lay the groundwork for post-war recovery of the country," noted Igor Klymenko.

The Ministry continues to improve weapon circulation control by adopting new technologies and standards. One of the significant initiatives has been the establishment of a Unified Weapon Register, which has substantially improved control over firearms in Ukraine.

"The Unified Register, launched in June 2023, simplifies the registration process for citizens while ensuring reliable control," stated the Minister.

Additionally, since November 25 of last year, a campaign for voluntary weapon declaration has been underway in Ukraine, allowing citizens to legalize unregistered firearms. The Ministry is also actively working to raise legal awareness among the population.

The OSCE Special Representative, Ambassador Petr Maresh, commended Ukraine's achievements in establishing the Unified Weapon Register and the importance of cooperation in ensuring security during wartime.

During the discussion, participants addressed the outcomes of the voluntary declaration initiative, international cooperation in weapon control, and awareness campaigns aimed at increasing public knowledge. This event served as a vital platform for experience exchange and collaborative development of initiatives to combat illegal weapon circulation.