Supporting Ukraine in addressing the risks of small arms and light weapons proliferation from the Russian war of aggression

The project aims to generate timely and empirical research and build capacities among a network of local experts to support Ukraine in anticipating and addressing the risks of proliferation of small arms and light weapons resulting from the Russian war of aggression, as well as those that will emerge in a possible post-conflict scenario. Undertaken by the Small Arms Survey in partnership with the Center for Security Studies (CENSS) and in close collaboration with other researchers and practitioners working on arms monitoring and control in Ukraine, the project ensures that relevant Ukrainian and international policymakers, practitioners, and the public have access to timely, relevant, and high-quality research on illicit SALW.

Funder: Germany

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To help achieve the project's goal, the Survey will maintain a baseline dataset and produce regular unpublished reports on illicit arms, monitor public perceptions of arms proliferation and security, and prepare a consolidated public report on weapons proliferation and control efforts in Ukraine. In parallel, the project will promote information exchange and learning on small arms proliferation matters among CENSS and the Ukrainian Networking Group (UNG), which is a growing and inclusive network of Ukrainian practitioners, academics, and NGOs working on security issues supported by the project.

Work of the Ukrainian Network Group (UNG)

The Ukrainian Network Group (UNG) consists of scientists, journalists, judicial experts, and representatives of non-governmental organizations who specialize in issues relating to weapons research and community security. The UNG serves as a capacity-building mechanism, an experience exchange, and a knowledge dissemination platform for the Ukraine small arms and light weapons project.

  • Capacity building: the UNG enhances its members’ capacity to design and implement activities that will contribute to the reduction of illicit small arms proliferation in Ukraine.
  • Knowledge dissemination and public awareness: the UNG contributes to the dissemination of project outputs through its members’ networks to help raise awareness, increase understanding, and foster action on small arms-related issues. 

The Survey supports the work of the UNG through training sessions on small arms-related issues, the provision of micro-grants for research, and mentoring opportunities tailored to the priorities and profiles of the members. The latest developments from the UNG can be found below.


Project highlights


Implementation period: June 2023–December 2025

 

For further information on the project, please contact:

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Aline Shaban
Associate Researcher
aline.shaban@smallarmssurvey.org