This week, on December 2, we handed over materials and equipment to Ukrainian forensic experts for conducting forensic examinations. The assistance was received by the National Scientific Center «Hon. Prof. M. S. Bokarius Forensic Science Institute». This is the final activity of the project “Support for Ukrainian Forensic Experts in documentation of the war crimes committed by the Russian Federation” (ForUkraine).
In the ForUkraine project, the State Forensic Science Bureau of Latvia supported the Kharkiv forensic experts with
• necessary equipment and materials;
• experience exchange visits;
• assistance in the development and testing of new forensic examination methods.
The ForUkraine project or “Support for Ukrainian Forensic Experts in documentation of the war crimes committed by the Russian Federation” has received funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2023 from the development cooperation budget.
Ukrainian law enforcement agencies are doing significant work in documenting and investigating war crimes of the Russian Federation. Forensic experts make a great contribution to this process.
We express our gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia for the funding and support provided. Special thanks to our Ukrainian experts Olga Pashkova and Iryna Zhuk, who built a bridge between our institutions. Thanks to the project coordinators from Kharkiv, Tetiana Droshchenko, and especially Olena Agapova, who ensured the successful implementation of the project in its initial stages. Thanks to the Bruņotava Association and the Kharkiv Charity Association Daruj Dobro for their support in delivering the shipment. Thanks to the Estonian Forensic Science Institute and its Director Ivar Prits, Andra Sirgmets, Maarja Sadam for their support in hosting the visit in the field of human DNA examination.