Ukraine strengthened its capacity to investigate and prosecute crimes involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials through a follow-up training course for prosecutors and judges organized under the European Union CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative, reinforcing national preparedness and the rule of law.
CBRN Risk and Scope of the Action
Crimes involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials present complex investigative and judicial challenges that require specialised legal and technical expertise. Strengthening the capacity of prosecutors and judges is therefore essential to ensure that such offences can be effectively investigated, prosecuted and adjudicated.
To address these challenges, a follow-up training course was organised in Ukraine from 9 to 13 March 2026 under the capacity-building and training programme “Strengthening the CBRN Investigation, Prosecution and Adjudication (IPA) Capabilities of Ukraine.” funded by the European Union and organised within the framework of the European Union CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative (EU CBRN CoE) with the support of UNICRI. This initiative was also made possible thanks to the logistical and financial support of the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU). The training focused on procedural guidance for pre-trial investigations and public prosecution in criminal proceedings involving the use of CBRN materials and weapons.
Leadership and Participation
The action was led by the Prosecutors' Training Centre of Ukraine, in close coordination with the Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine, demonstrating strong national ownership of the programme.
Certified instructors trained during the 2025 train-the-trainer programme delivered the course in cooperation with international experts. A total of 26 legal professionals, including 22 prosecutors and four judges from different regions of Ukraine, participated in the training using a specialised training package developed with support from the European Union.
Training for Real-World CBRN Cases
The five-day training programme covered key aspects necessary for prosecutors and judges handling CBRN-related cases, including:
International legal instruments and national legislation prohibiting the use of CBRN weapons
Legal qualification in criminal proceedings involving CBRN materials
Evidence and proof in CBRN-related cases
Specific aspects of pre-trial investigations in CBRN criminal proceedings
Court proceedings in cases involving CBRN offences
The course concluded with practical mock trial exercises, allowing participants to test simulated CBRN case scenarios using Ukraine’s existing legislation, regulations and standard operating procedures. The activity strengthened the ability of national authorities to handle complex CBRN cases and enhanced coordination between investigative and judicial actors.
Strengthening Capacity for the Future
The training builds on a comprehensive programme implemented in 2025, during which 32 participants received specialised training and 16 instructors were prepared through a train-the-trainer format under the EU CBRN CoE Initiative.
The organization of this course represents far more than a technical achievement. It is a clear demonstration of Ukraine’s strong commitment to sustaining the programme nationally. At a time of immense challenges, such training for prosecutors and judges is instrumental in reinforcing institutional resilience and safeguarding the rule of law.
By deploying nationally trained instructors and continuing the programme at the national level, Ukraine is ensuring the sustainability of the training system and expanding the number of legal professionals capable of addressing CBRN-related crimes.
Ukraine’s example is also inspiring other countries enrolled in the CBRN IPA programme. As the first nation to implement this follow‑up training, Ukraine has paved the way forward, showing how international cooperation, determination, partnership, and sustained effort can create lasting impact.
Background
This action was implemented with the support of the European Union through the EU CBRN CoE the training forms part of the programme “Strengthening the CBRN Investigation, Prosecution and Adjudication (IPA) Capabilities of Ukraine,” which aims to enhance the ability of national authorities to investigate, prosecute and adjudicate crimes involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials. The programme supports the development of specialised legal expertise and sustainable training capacities within national institutions.
To know more: EU Global Threats Programme – EU CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative
