Today at 12:17
А working meeting between Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko and European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson took place today, May 11, at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Ihor Klymenko noted that this meeting was a continuation of the ongoing dialogue between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the European Commission, aimed at creating a common security space between Ukraine and the European Union.
“In less than a year, we have made great progress in the implementation of our joint programmes, which allow Ukraine to integrate into the European space. Moreover, thanks to this cooperation, we are now receiving all the necessary support from the European Union – not only logistical, but also professional and expert assistance in creating a secure environment in our country – both during a large-scale war and in planning our joint post-war activities,” the Minister said.
This includes Ukraine’s participation in the European Migration Network, the European Crime Prevention Network, and the European Explosive Ordnance Disposal Network. The Minister also noted that Ukraine had joined the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which brought Ukraine into the European family, including assistance in crisis situations. In addition, the National Police of Ukraine has joined an international network to combat organised criminal groups and criminal organisations.
During the meeting, a number of issues of interest to Ukraine and the European Union were discussed. These include migration issues, in particular, migration control, the issue of arranging Ukraine’s borders with the European Union, as well as further EU assistance in arranging borders throughout the country. In addition, the issue of investigating and documenting war crimes committed by the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine was discussed.
“To date, the National Police has documented more than 75,000 crimes committed by the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine,” said the Minister.
Ihor Klymenko informed that the Ministry of Internal Affairs planned to launch a state register of weapons on June 23 this year. He added that all weapons issued in the first days of the full-scale war had been registered and accounted for by the National Police.
According to the Minister, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is working on de-mining the territory of Ukraine, as 30% of the country is mined. The Humanitarian Demining Centre has been established to optimise all humanitarian demining activities: planning, implementation and financing. At the same time, the Minister paid attention to the main needs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs during the war and the formation of the Offensive Guard.
“I am proud of each and every employee. Thank you for your appreciation of our work. We are already planning a peaceful life together with the European Union,” said the Interior Minister.
In turn, the European Commissioner said that the people on the frontline were defending Ukraine, defending European ideas and values. And the European Union will certainly continue to provide support.
Ylva Johansson stressed that Ukraine’s security was the security of the European Union. 7 steps have been identified that Ukraine needs to take before moving on to EU accession negotiations, and the progress in this area is impressive given that Ukraine is fighting the war in parallel with all the processes.
“I am grateful to the EU countries and the European Commission for their support since the first days of the full-scale war. The assistance provided for the training of our specialists, and then for the technical support of our investigative and forensic units, as well as the cooperation with the Attorney General’s Office and all other law enforcement agencies, will enable us to bring these crimes to international justice. Those responsible for the crimes committed on the territory of our country will be brought to a fair trial and punished accordingly,” concluded Ihor Klymenko.
