Newsletter, #10 (May 2025)

Introduction

As Ukraine continues to face the profound impacts of full-scale war, the internal security landscape has also undergone significant changes. Shifts in population, weakened state institutions, and the strain on law enforcement have created an evolving crime environment that affects both urban and rural communities. This issue of the SAM UKR Newsletter examines key crime trends across the country, the state of drug use and trafficking, and how the public perceives safety, justice, and institutional trust. Drawing on recent national and international reports, the following analysis aims to inform decision-makers, NGOs, and international observers working to support justice and governance reforms in Ukraine. 

Rise in Organized Crime Amidst Conflict

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to weakened institutional structures and an increase in weapons proliferation, creating fertile ground for organized crime. Criminal networks have expanded their operations, engaging in activities such as arms smuggling, human trafficking, and the distribution of counterfeit goods. 

Establishment of Coordination Centres: To combat the illicit arms trade, Ukraine inaugurated a Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Arms Trafficking in February 2025. This centre collaborates with international bodies like the OSCE and EUAM to enhance oversight and control over arms distribution