The Netherlands and EUAM Strengthen Civilian Security in Ukraine’s Frontline Regions
February 25, 2025
On 18-19 February 2025, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ukraine Alle Dorhout visited the Dnipropetrovsk Region together with the Head of the EU Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine Rolf Holmboe.
During the visit, the Dutch Ambassador had the opportunity to engage with the Ukrainian beneficiaries in the civilian security sector of a joint project together with EUAM in support of stabilisation in the liberated territories and investigation of international crimes committed in Ukraine. The visit highlighted the Dutch government’s commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s civilian security sector with a focus on the frontline regions.
The Ambassador and the EUAM Head of Mission visited the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU), the National Police of Ukraine (NPU), as well as regional prosecutors’ offices and their newly established pilot victim and witness support units from Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions. These discussions provided first-hand insights into the impact of international support amid the security challenges caused by Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
The National Guard of Ukraine
Thanks to the Dutch funding, Ukrainian civilian security agencies have received vital equipment, including vehicles, mobile police stations, handheld radios, computers, and IT tools. The NGU demonstrated how these resources enhance operational effectiveness in maintaining public order, particularly in the frontline regions. The command of the NGU’s Central Territorial Administration outlined the key tasks of its units involved in stabilisation efforts near the frontline combat zones. Discussions also covered the National Guard’s logistical needs and the effectiveness of Dutch-funded assistance delivered through EUAM Ukraine.
“Our units deter the enemy not only outside but also inside the country. During counter-sabotage operations, our main goal is to detect, prevent, and stop crimes that threaten national security. In maintaining public order, we focus on preventing the smuggling of weapons and ammunition into peaceful areas and stopping the infiltration of sabotage and reconnaissance groups. Thanks to your comprehensive assistance, we are carrying out our tasks efficiently,” said Colonel Denys Shlega, the Acting Head of the Central Territorial Administration of the NGU and the Hero of Ukraine for his defence of Mariupol in 2022.
The National Police of Ukraine
The Ambassador and the Head of Mission met with Head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Police Oleksandr Ganzha, Head of Donetsk Regional Police Ruslan Osypenko, Head of Zaporizhzhia Regional Police Artem Kysko, and Acting Head of the Luhansk Regional Police Dmytro Otstavnykh. They discussed the challenges the Police faces during the war and the continuation of joint projects to strengthen security and public safety. The meeting highlighted that law enforcement officers face challenges far beyond their regular police duties and are involved in combat operations, stabilisation efforts, evacuations, war crimes investigations, and the identification of unidentified bodies.
“Despite the fact that the enemy is targeting police officers, launching missile and artillery attacks on police buildings, and destroying our vehicles, we continue to provide quality police services to the population in a continuous and effective manner,” Head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Police Oleksandr Ganzha added.
Recognising the immense challenges the NPU faces in LAT, EUAM adapts its support to meet their needs. This includes tailored training programmes and the procurement of critical equipment to ensure police officers can continue providing essential services to communities under difficult conditions. Beyond immediate assistance, the Mission prioritises strengthening Ukraine’s long-term capacity to manage these challenges independently.
An important aspect of EUAM’s role in supporting law enforcement agencies in LAT is facilitating and coordinating donor contributions, as well as communicating these needs to EU member states and external partners to secure additional support.
“A key example of such successful coordination is “Blue Haven for Ukraine” – a Dutch-funded, EUAM-implemented project that helps law enforcement officers cope with the mental health impact of prolonged service in high-stress environments,” said Rolf Holmboe, Head of EUAM Ukraine. “Police officers are not only carrying out their daily duties but also working on the front lines of this war. The constant pressure and trauma take a heavy toll on their mental health. “Blue Haven for Ukraine” is created to support them and help them cope with these challenges while they continue to protect their communities.”
Forensic Investigations of War Crimes
The Ambassador and Head of Mission was given a briefing at the Dnipropetrovsk Expert Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs on Russian missile and drone attacks and the crucial role of forensic investigations in documenting war crimes.
“The resilience and dedication of Ukraine’s law enforcement officers in these extraordinarily difficult circumstances are laudable. The Netherlands is committed to supporting them with the necessary resources and expertise to help them continue their vital work,” said Alle Dorhout, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ukraine.
Engaging with Civil Society Organisations
The Ambassador and the Head of Mission had the opportunity to engage with civil society organisations (CSO) from Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Luhansk regions. Discussions focused on support for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and domestic violence, as well as on mental health services and women’s empowerment in war-affected communities.
They also discussed CSO support for war crimes investigations, post-war reconstruction, law enforcement reforms. Strengthening cooperation between CSOs and law enforcement agencies was highlighted as a priority.
A Coordinated Approach
By working together, the Government of the Netherlands and EUAM Ukraine can enhance their support in strengthening the resilience of Ukraine’s law enforcement and civil society.
Building on this successful cooperation, EUAM Ukraine remains committed to expanding externally funded initiatives to maximise its impact on advancing civilian security sector reform and supporting Ukraine’s path toward European integration.
