EUAM Ukraine and PTCU Boost Prosecutors’ Skills in Handling National Security Offences
November 14, 2025
Prosecutors across Ukraine are enhancing their capacity to investigate and prosecute crimes that threaten the country’s national security. From 11 to 13 November, the Prosecutor’s Training Centre of Ukraine (PTCU), in cooperation with the National School of Judges and the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine, held an intensive three-day course titled «Pre-trial and Trial Criminal Proceedings of Cases Against the Foundations of National Security (collaborative activities)».
The training brought together prosecutors and judges for the first time to deepen their understanding of how national security offences are qualified, investigated, and prosecuted – particularly considering international humanitarian law, international human rights law and the evolving challenges to deal with the consequences caused by Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
Three Days – One Goal: Strengthening Justice in National Security Cases
Over the course of three days, participants explored a broad range of topics – from the qualification of criminal offences against national security and challenges in pre-trial investigations to the conduct of court proceedings and assessment of evidence in such cases.
The sessions combined lectures, practical case studies, and group work. Participants examined real judicial cases – including the Lyman case and dissenting opinions of Supreme Court judges – to identify common mistakes and strengthen their reasoning during investigations and trials.
The course was led by PTCU trainers Oleksandr Zhyla, Deputy Head of the Directorate on National Security Cases at the Office of the Prosecutor General, and Valerii Zhydkov, Prosecutor-Trainer at the General Inspectorate of the Office of the Prosecutor General. They were joined by experts from the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine and EUAM Ukraine, who shared international perspectives on transitional justice, collaborationism, and proving intent in crimes against the state.
EUAM Ukraine contributed through its Legal Reform Unit, represented by Senior Advisers on Legal Reform – judges Mari-Ann Roos and Anu Välimäki – and Legal Reform Officer Ivanna Ilchenko, who helped participants explore the intersection between Ukrainian criminal law and European human rights standards.
“In today’s complex security environment, effective prosecution of crimes against the state requires both legal precision and a deep understanding of international law,” said Mari-Ann Roos, Senior Adviser on Legal Reform at EUAM Ukraine. “This training helps judges and prosecutors apply these principles in practice – ensuring that justice is served while upholding the rule of law.”
Day one focused on aligning Ukrainian criminal law with international humanitarian law and examining the boundaries between national security offences and war-related crimes.
The second day addressed challenges in pre-trial investigations and case qualification, with participants analysing real-life examples to identify legal distinctions and avoid common pitfalls.
“Each national security case is not only about punishing wrongdoing but about protecting democratic values,” added Anu Välimäki, Senior Adviser on Legal Reform. “By strengthening judges’ and prosecutors’ capacities, we contribute to ensuring that justice in Ukraine remains fair, transparent, and resilient.”
On the final day, discussions centred on trial proceedings – including in absentia trials, evidence assessment, and the limits of public speech under the Criminal Code.
“Our cooperation with the Prosecutor’s Training Centre ensures that Ukrainian prosecutors receive the most relevant and practical knowledge,” noted Ivanna Ilchenko, EUAM Legal Reform Officer. “Every such course reinforces Ukraine’s justice system and its alignment with European standards.”
Upon completion, participants received certificates of professional development, marking their progress in handling complex cases concerning Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. The joint initiative reaffirmed the ongoing partnership between EUAM Ukraine and national institutions to build a justice system capable of addressing the legal consequences of war while safeguarding human rights.
