OSCE Study Visit on Small Arms and Light Weapons Strengthens Co-operation between Sweden and Ukraine

Strategic Insights -

A delegation of Ukrainian specialists visited the Swedish National Police Force in Stockholm to strengthen co-operation on small arms and light weapons control, marking a significant step in enhancing border security and combatting illicit trafficking between the two countries. The OSCE's Conflict Prevention Centre facilitated the study visit, which aimed to foster international collaboration and improve Ukrainian authorities' expertise in firearms control. The visit allowed Ukrainian officials to gain insight into Swedish national firearms legislation, border management practices, and detection methods, enhancing their skills and capacities in addressing security threats.

Key Takeaways:

  • The OSCE's Conflict Prevention Centre facilitated a study visit to the Swedish National Police Force in Stockholm for Ukrainian specialists working on small arms and light weapons control, marking a significant step in strengthening co-operation between Ukraine and Sweden.
  • The visit aimed to foster international collaboration and enhance Ukrainian authorities' expertise in firearms control, countering smuggling, and border security.
  • Ukrainian specialists from the National Police of Ukraine, State Border Guard Service, State Customs Service, and Security Service attended the visit, where they gained insight into Swedish national firearms legislation and shared good practices on border management, detection methods, and forensic analysis.
  • The visit strengthened collaboration and professional relationships between Ukraine and Sweden in firearms control, countering smuggling, and border security, with a focus on boosting the authorities' skills and capacities.
  • The initiative aimed to enhance the co-ordination efforts within the National Firearms Focal Points and the National Coordination Centre of Ukraine, recently established to strengthen collaboration and improve response to security threats.
  • The visit was organized under the OSCE's extrabudgetary project supporting Ukrainian authorities in preventing and combating illicit trafficking in weapons, ammunition, and explosives.

Statistics:

  • The study visit took place from June 24 to 26, 2025.
  • Ukrainian specialists gained insight into Swedish national firearms legislation and border management practices during the visit.
  • The visit targeted the improvement of response to security threats in Ukraine.
  • The OSCE's Conflict Prevention Centre facilitated the study visit, supporting international collaboration and expertise enhancement in firearms control.
  • The visit aimed to improve Ukrainian authorities' capacities in countering smuggling and enhancing border security.

Sources:

  • OSCE study visit on Small Arms and Light Weapons strengthens co-operation between Sweden and Ukraine (OSCE.org, July 7, --)