KYIV, 28 April 2025 –The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with financial support from the Government of Japan, has provided the State Scientific Research Forensic Centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine with five sets of equipment for conducting forensic molecular genetic examinations, and two gas chromatographs for detecting traces of gunshot and explosive residue, narcotics, and other substances.

This high-precision equipment will help carry out complex forensic investigations. With the onset of the full-scale war, DNA and chemical analysis technology has become particularly important in efforts to identify missing persons and document war crimes.

Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine stressed that Japan’s commitment to justice and rule of law is unwavering in times of war. He said that the Government of Japan has provided over U.S. $15 billion in assisting Ukraine, and will continue to support its efforts in defending and rebuilding their country. 

Recalling the two knowledge exchange programmes held in Tokyo and Fukushima in 2023, where Japan shared its forensic expertise with Ukraine – expertise that was also developed in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011 – he expressed his appreciation, saying, "we deeply value your contribution to the investigation of war crimes committed during this tragic war. I sincerely hope that the equipment will further enhance Ukraine’s forensic capabilities –supporting both the maintenance of law and order, and the pursuit of justice for victims of war crimes." 

Leonid Tymchenko, Deputy Interior Minister underlined that the support of international partners is crucial for identification of bodies, search of missed persons under special circumstances. 

“On behalf of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, I want to thank our partners for the support that is being provided to the branches of the Ministry of Internal Affairs,” Tymchenko said. 

“The equipment that is being handed over today is of high importance to ensure justice, and for all bodies to be returned to the families and given a proper burial. Now because of war, there is a large number of unidentified bodies, and tens of thousands of persons are missing under special circumstances. Everyday, we conduct a large number of DNA analyses, and the equipment we have been given will help to speed up this work.”

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP in Ukraine Resident Representative also stressed that the equipment would not only enhance the technical capacity of the Scientific Research Forensic Centre of the Interior Ministry to conduct complex forensic examinations, but would also play a vital role in restoring justice and the rule of law.

“The rule of law and access to justice are of critical importance in times of war,” Cilliers said. “We truly believe this equipment will help forensic experts to effectively respond to emerging challenges and ensure access to justice for all those affected by the war.”

Serhii Krymchuk, Director of the State Scientific Research Forensic Centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine said: “We thank our international partners for the assistance provided, which will strengthen the work of our frontline departments, as they are currently experiencing an extremely heavy workload. Along with that, our staff are proving that they can handle the most complex challenges.  Our task is to identify the bodies of the deceased and to return them to their families. The collection of evidence for international justice is also of great importance. The equipment provided will allow us to analyse missile materials, poisonous, narcotic and other substances”.

Background: 

Earlier in May 2024, UNDP and the Government of Japan provided 26 vans, forensic kits, rapid DNA technology portable laboratories and other equipment to National Police of Ukraine forensic units. Earlier in 2023, 25 forensic investigators of the National Police of Ukraine studied the experience of the National Police Agency of Japan in mass autopsy procedures, specimen collection techniques, and efficient methods for analysing DNA. 

Media enquiries:

Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine, yuliia.samus@undp.org