Ukraine Strengthens Capacity to Investigate and Prosecute CBRN Crimes Through THEMIS Tabletop Exercise

Uzhhorod, Ukraine, 29 July 2026: Twenty practitioners from across Ukraine gathered in Uzhhorod on 28-29 July 2026 for a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) organized under the THEMIS Project, a joint initiative co-funded by the Governments of Canada and Norway and implemented by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI).

The exercise marked an important step in Ukraine's efforts to enhance its capacity to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate crimes involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials and incidents, with a specific focus on the misuse of CBRN hazardous materials by non-State actors. Bringing together judges, prosecutors, investigators, security service and law enforcement personnel, forensic specialists, border guards, and other relevant professionals, the exercise focused on strengthening inter-agency coordination and improving operational preparedness, particularly in regions most affected by the ongoing war.

Opening the exercise, Mr. Maksym Riabenko, Head of the Department of International Cooperation of the General Prosecutor's Office of Ukraine, expressed his appreciation to the project implementers and donor governments, describing THEMIS as a "long-term investment" in Ukraine's future. He underscored the project's contribution to reinforcing national institutional capacities, deepening professional expertise, and strengthening cooperation among the agencies responsible for addressing CBRN-related threats. Emphasizing the sustainability of the initiative, he noted that the project is helping Ukraine respond to current challenges while laying the foundations for stronger and more resilient institutions capable of addressing future risks.

A shared commitment to strengthening national capacities

Ms. Chrystiane Roy, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine, welcomed participants and praised the strong representation of women among those selected for the programme, highlighting the importance of inclusive leadership and diverse expertise in the security sector. She reaffirmed Canada's commitment to supporting Ukraine through the Weapons Threat Reduction Programme, which assists partner countries in preventing the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction, detecting illicit trafficking, and strengthening responses to related criminal and security threats. Ms. Roy emphasized that investments in professional development and international cooperation are essential to strengthening institutions capable of addressing evolving security challenges while contributing to regional and global stability.

Addressing the participants, Ms. Iryna Chechetka, Director of the Training Centre of Prosecutors of Ukraine, thanked the international partners and donors whose support made the exercise possible. She stressed that developing prosecutors' expertise in the investigation and prosecution of CBRN-related offences remains a key priority for the Centre. According to Ms. Chechetka, the programme was designed to deepen participants' understanding of the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks while strengthening their practical skills in the criminal-law qualification of offences involving the unlawful use of CBRN materials. She further highlighted the importance of equipping prosecutors with the knowledge and tools required to address increasingly complex security threats. She also reaffirmed that initiatives of this nature contribute directly to strengthening the rule of law, institutional resilience, and national security. "The implementation of programmes such as this reflects our shared commitment to a safer and more secure future, where peace, justice, and the rule of law prevail," she concluded.

From the G7 Global Partnership to implementation

The THEMIS Project was developed following discussions held during the 2025 G7 Global Partnership meeting, where Ukraine highlighted challenges related to the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of CBRN crimes. Recognizing the urgent need to strengthen the country's capacity to document, investigate, and prosecute such offences, the Governments of Canada and Norway mobilized support to enhance national capacities in this critical area.

The comprehensive training package delivered under the THEMIS Project consists of six specialized courses comprising more than 100 theoretical and practical modules. Combining academic instruction with hands-on learning, the programme includes workshops on case-building, prosecution strategies, and mock trial exercises based on realistic scenarios and existing Ukrainian legislation. By bringing together legal, investigative, forensic, and judicial perspectives, it promotes an integrated approach to addressing the complex challenges posed by CBRN-related crimes.

Building on previous achievements

THEMIS builds on the achievements of the CBRN Investigation, Prosecution and Adjudication (IPA) Pilot Project, successfully completed in Ukraine in 2025. That pioneering initiative certified 32 professionals from multiple institutions and demonstrated the value of a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to tackling CBRN-related offences. Its success subsequently led to the replication of the programme in six additional countries.

One of the most significant outcomes of the IPA project was the creation of a national cadre of subject-matter experts. In 2025, 16 Ukrainian trainers and instructors completed the training-of-trainers component of the programme. Several graduates are now serving as instructors within the current THEMIS framework, including during the national training conducted in Uzhhorod in April 2026. Their active involvement reflects the growing sustainability of Ukraine's national training capacity and demonstrates the long-term value of investing in domestic expertise.

The project also drew on the experience of the first cohort of ten national instructors who graduated from the CBRN Investigation, Prosecution and Adjudication (IPA) Project, funded by the European Union under the EU CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative. As a result of that earlier programme, the National School of Judges integrated selected CBRN-related modules into its curriculum and has since delivered dedicated training activities for future prosecutors and judges.

Looking ahead

Although strengthening capabilities in investigation, prosecution, and adjudication is a long-term endeavour, the emergence of Ukrainian instructors capable of training and mentoring their peers marks an important step toward stronger national ownership and institutional sustainability of the programme. THEMIS supports this objective by helping integrate specialized training into relevant national institutions and professional development frameworks.

Beyond its focus on frontline regions, municipalities, and cities, the project seeks to expand its reach across Ukraine in response to evolving security challenges affecting both the country and the wider South-Eastern and Eastern European region. Through its multidisciplinary approach, THEMIS strengthens cooperation among national authorities and other stakeholders responsible for preventing, responding to, and investigating CBRN-related incidents.

The Tabletop Exercise concluded with a renewed commitment among participating institutions to deepen cooperation, enhance preparedness, and continue developing Ukraine's national capabilities to prevent, investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate CBRN-related crimes.

The continued support of Canada, Norway, the European Union, and other international partners reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Ukraine's security, resilience, and long-term recovery.

Background: THEMIS project and training courses

Funded by Global Affairs Canada and the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, the THEMIS project is implemented by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI).

The project supports Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in strengthening national capacities to prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) security threats. More specifically, it enhances the ability of intelligence, law enforcement, investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial authorities to address the growing risks posed by the misuse of chemical weapons and the trafficking of hazardous materials by non-State actors, particularly in conflict-affected and high-risk environments. By strengthening sustainable training systems, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and promoting alignment with international standards, the project contributes to reducing vulnerabilities and reinforcing national preparedness against CBRN threats.

The Work Package 3 training programme is grounded in two key reference resources: A Prosecutor's Guide to Chemical and Biological Crimesand A Prosecutor's Guide on Radiological and Nuclear Crimes. Funded by the European Union, these guidebooks have been translated into multiple languages, including Arabic, English, French, Romanian, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, and Ukrainian, ensuring broad accessibility for criminal justice practitioners.

The training courses developed under Work Package 3 of the THEMIS project were successfully designed and piloted in six countries and delivered in both national and regional formats. Their implementation was supported by the European Union through the EU CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative.