Four-Legged Guardians: How K9 Units Strengthen Ukrainian Customs Partnerships and Border Security with Moldova
May 18, 2026
In the complex landscape of European border security, partnership between humans and canines is proving instrumental in safeguarding the Ukrainian-Moldovan border. A joint Ukrainian-Moldovan workshop for customs K9 teams was held at the international border crossing point “Mohyliv-Podilskyi – Otaci” under the auspices of the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine.
The exercise was organised within the trilateral customs framework between Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Romania. The training focused on applying theory through practical exercises, with K9 teams practising the skills of detecting narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, tobacco products and cash in conditions simulating real scenarios faced by customs officials. Customs officers and K9 patrol partners practised real control scenarios aimed at detecting prohibited objects and substances in luggage, identifying specific odours, controlling means of transport and checking rooms.
Mr Dorel Fronea, Strategic Customs Adviser with EUAM Ukraine, highlighted how collaboration between customs authorities across the Ukrainian-Moldovan border demonstrated that specialised K9 training programmes are creating a formidable line of defence against illicit activities, while strengthening regional cooperation and cross-border collaboration and reinforcing Europe’s broader security framework.
He stated that the “UA–MD Canine Joint Workshop, organised with EUAM Ukraine support, represents an important step forward in strengthening international cooperation, enhancing professional and administrative capacities and promoting the exchange of best practices in the field of customs canine operations.” Mr Fronea congratulated the Ukrainian and Moldovan customs authorities for their excellent cooperation, underscoring that “EUAM Ukraine will continue to support, based on its mandate, such joint exercises, which play a vital role in improving border security, combating cross-border crime and fostering closer partnership among neighbouring customs authorities.”
By participating in such activities, the Ukrainian State Customs Service’s K9 teams continuously develop their practical skills, contributing to increasing the efficiency of customs controls and applying the best European practices in the field. Harmonising their approaches with the neighbouring Moldovan Customs Service’s Canine Centre creates a stronger border security network that can adapt more quickly to evolving cross-border threats. The importance of close collaboration between Ukraine and Moldova was reiterated by Mr Andrii Voitseshchuk, Director of the Department for Specialised Training and Canine Services of the State Customs Service of Ukraine, who stated that “operational synergy between the customs canine units of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova during joint exercises reflects the core principle of bilateral cooperation with EUAM support. This partnership facilitates an effective exchange of expertise and the rapid implementation of best practices into our professional operations.”
As these bilateral K9 training initiatives demonstrate success in building partnerships, opportunities for further European integration arise through future joint exercises, shared certification programmes and, possibly, cross-border deployment protocols for specialised situations.
The Head of the Canine Centre of the Moldovan Customs Service, Mrs Olivia Sanduleac, reflected on how joint exercises expand European border and customs security, stating that “the Joint Customs Cooperation Platform between the Republic of Moldova, Romania and Ukraine, supported by EUAM Ukraine, provides an important framework for the development and strengthening of the capacities of customs canine teams.” She went on to explain that “through joint training, exchange of experience and practical exercises, cynologists and service dogs improve their intervention techniques, increase interoperability, and respond more effectively to the challenges in the field of combating cross-border crime.”
As border security and customs challenges facing Ukrainian-Moldovan authorities continue to evolve, building partnerships between customs officials and their four-legged colleagues will undoubtedly play an increasingly vital role in protecting the European Union’s borders.
