Strengthening Judicial Capacity to Adjudicate Cases on Collaborative Activities
July 24, 2026
As Ukraine continues to uphold the rule of law during Russia’s full-scale war of aggression, judges are increasingly called upon to adjudicate some of the most legally complex criminal cases. Supporting the judiciary in addressing these challenges was the focus of a Training of Trainers (ToT) on “Trial of Criminal Proceedings in Cases Against the Foundations of National Security (Collaborative Activities),” jointly organised by EUAM Ukraine and the National School of Judges of Ukraine on 21–23 July 2026 in Tatariv, Ivano-Frankivsk Region.
The three-day programme brought together 14 future trainers in person, while 23 additional participants joined online. Designed as a multiplier initiative, the Training of Trainers equips participants to further share their knowledge with colleagues across Ukraine, helping strengthen judicial capacity nationwide.
The training addressed both the substantive and procedural aspects of adjudicating criminal offences against the foundations of Ukraine’s national security. Participants explored how to distinguish these offences from other criminal acts arising in the context of war, assessed approaches to evaluating evidence, discussed the application of special judicial proceedings (in absentia), and enhanced their skills in drafting lawful, well-reasoned judicial decisions.
The programme combined expert presentations with practical exercises,allowing participants to analyse current Supreme Court case law, work through realistic case scenarios and draft judicial decisions. Particular attention was given to the application of international humanitarian law and international human rights law alongside Ukrainian legislation when examining cases related to collaborative activities.
“The objective of the training was to develop and deepen a comprehensive understanding of the substantive and procedural aspects of criminal proceedings relating to offences against the foundations of Ukraine’s national security,” said Mari Ann Roos, EUAM Ukraine Senior Adviser on Legal Reform. “It also aimed to strengthen judges’ practical skills in distinguishing related criminal offences, assessing and verifying evidence, applying in absentia proceedings, determining preventive measures and drafting lawful, well-founded and reasoned judicial decisions.”
“The event is the part of Mission workstream, which is focused at the delineation between survival-driven conduct in ToT and genuine collaboration with the occupying power and thus, ensuring consistency in judicial practice in cases concerning crimes against the foundations of Ukraine’s national security in compliance with IHL/IHRL”– stressed Ivanna Ilchenko, Legal Reform Officer and the lead of the stream.
The July Training of Trainers marks another step in this long-term cooperation. Building on the knowledge and experience gained during the programme, the organisers will now prepare a practical handbook on the adjudication of criminal proceedings concerning collaborative activities and convene a roundtable discussion later this year to continue expert dialogue on the legal framework governing these offences.
