The European Union continues its commitment to bolstering security and rule of law in Ukraine, with a recent donation of vital equipment to the National Police of Ukraine (NPU). This significant contribution, valued at EUR 600,000, includes a state-of-the-art portable explosive ordnance scanner, alongside other essential resources, aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of law enforcement in the Donetsk region. This region, particularly vulnerable due to ongoing conflict, will benefit significantly from this aid, which is designed to improve safety for both officers and civilians.
The delivery, facilitated through the EU-funded PRAVO Police program and in close coordination with the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) to Ukraine, comprised not only the advanced Car Scanner Ukraine will now utilize, but also ten police pick-up cars, 1,162 first aid kits, and 700 fire extinguishers. These resources are strategically allocated to improve police effectiveness in challenging and remote locations within the Donetsk region. The modules provided will establish functional police checkpoints, crucial for maintaining order and security in areas facing heightened risks.
Police modules being delivered to National Police checkpoints in Donetsk region, Ukraine, as part of EU support to enhance operational capabilities and citizen safety.
Xavier Camus, Head of the Good Governance and Rule of Law section at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, emphasized the EU’s dedication to supporting Ukraine, especially in conflict-affected areas. “PRAVO Police is one of the EU’s key rule of law projects in Ukraine. We are happy to support the National Police in eastern Ukraine, where the population lives under a heightened risk to their lives and health due to the conflict. Reinforcing civilian security is an important step towards better protection for the citizens,” Camus stated.
The National Police of Ukraine highlighted that this equipment will directly contribute to faster response times to criminal activities and emergencies. Furthermore, it will improve the working conditions for police officers serving in the Donetsk region. Artem Kysko, acting Head of the Main Department of the National Police in Donetsk region, expressed his gratitude for the international partnership. “With the support of our international partners, we are enhancing police’s capacity to provide professional, effective, and timely support to the people of the Donetsk region,” said Kysko. He further added, “With this equipment, we will be able to save more lives, reinforce police presence in the region, and make checkpoint inspections more convenient for citizens. Our priority is to ensure safety in line with international standards.”
The newly provided police vehicles will enhance the mobility of rapid response teams, community policing units, and police contact points, especially in rural and remote areas of the Donetsk region. This increased mobility is crucial for effective community policing and rapid intervention in emergency situations.
EU donated police vehicles for Ukrainian National Police rapid response teams and community policing units, improving mobility in Donetsk region.
Fran O’Grady, senior programme manager for PRAVO Police, highlighted the importance of equipping community police adequately. “In crime and emergency response situations, community police are often first at the scene and so must be appropriately equipped to perform their critical duties,” O’Grady noted.
A key component of the donation is the state-of-the-art portable explosive ordnance scanner – a vital tool for enhancing security. This car scanner Ukraine police will utilize allows for the rapid identification and containment of explosive threats during vehicle inspections. It is capable of scanning not only cars but also cargo, packages, bags, and even larger items like containers, which are beyond the scope of stationary scanning systems. This advanced scanning capability is particularly crucial in a region facing heightened security threats.
The EUAM’s Field Office in Mariupol, established in September of the previous year, plays a significant role in advising and supporting law enforcement agencies in the Donetsk region. Fredrik Wesslau, Acting Head of EUAM, emphasized the positive impact of the donation on citizen access to police services. “Today’s sizable donations will make it easier for citizens to have access to quality and timely NPU services in Donetsk regions, especially in rural areas. EUAM works side by side with NPU to improve its effectiveness and ability to respond to citizen’s needs. We believe this is essential to increase public trust in law enforcement and, ultimately, Ukraine’s resilience,” Wesslau stated at the donation ceremony.
The Donetsk region faces significant security challenges due to its proximity to the conflict zone. These threats include human, drug, and arms trafficking, unauthorized movement across the contact line, organized criminal groups, and the frequent discovery of explosive devices. In 2020 alone, the Donbas NPU Explosive Ordnance Disposal team responded to over 560 calls, having disposed of 41,000 explosive threats and 2,000kg of explosive substances in total. The introduction of the advanced car scanner Ukraine has received will significantly strengthen the police’s ability to address these threats and ensure the safety of the local population.
Background Information:
The Support for Rule of Law Reforms in Ukraine in the areas of Police, Public Prosecution and Good Governance (PRAVO Police) project is funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS in coordination with the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM). This initiative underscores the ongoing commitment of international partners to support Ukraine in strengthening its law enforcement capabilities and ensuring citizen security in challenging circumstances.
