Led by Ambassador Krzysztof Paturej, the ICCSS Delegation engaged with key Ukraine stakeholders, including government representatives, local community leaders, academics, and industry professionals, in a proactive commitment towards developing innovative strategies for the country's CBRN resilience.
Significant among these initiatives is Ukraine's active participation in the upcoming Full Scale Field Exercise in Chisinau, Moldova. This event, scheduled for 12-14 July, is part of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and incorporates international guidelines, including those from the World Health Organization's International Health Regulations. Ukrainian teams will be collaborating with international counterparts for the first time on CBRN related scenarios, alongside observers and representatives from various countries, including the WHO.
Moreover, as a result of ICCSS' persistent efforts with Ukraine and international partners last year, amidst the ongoing war, two innovative project proposals have been developed based on lessons learned since 2015 ICCSS support to enhance Ukraine chemical safety and security.
Local Responses to CBRN Threats – This project focuses on empowering local communities, particularly in the Eastern region of Ukraine (Donbas). Over the course of two years, it aims to develop capacities to manage CBRN threats through regulatory frameworks, capacity building initiatives, state-of-the-art equipment provision, and fostering of cybersecurity infrastructures.
Raising Cybersecurity Awareness in Energy and CBRN Critical Infrastructure – This initiative seeks to fortify information protection and cybersecurity preparedness within Ukraine's energy and CBRN related infrastructure, heavily targeted during the recent aggression against Ukraine. The project involves development of Cyber Fortress simulation games, alongside a series of trainings and exercises for the staff responsible for implementing security systems for information and communication technology (ICT) and operational technologies (OT) environment protection.
ICCSS and Ukraine partners seek international support to fund these projects as priority activities to boost Ukraine's defense against CBRN, environmental, and cyber threats.
The engagement with local stakeholders has remained a vital aspect of these projects, providing the necessary tools to allow local communities to protect themselves effectively. A special emphasis is also placed on involving civil society, women, and youth in these initiatives, promoting their active participation in local security activities.
These projects are designed to foster an environment of continuous learning and adaptive response, through engagement in international training and exercise activities. The ultimate goal is to create a resilient Ukraine, capable of standing against CBRN threats, environmental emergencies, and cyber attacks, effectively safeguarding its population and infrastructure.
In the face of mounting global challenges, ICCSS remains steadfast in its mission to empower local communities that are well-prepared and responsive to CBRN and environmental emergencies.
For more information or to engage with the ICCSS to support these project proposals, please contact: k.paturej@iccss.eu
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