8-A, Zolochivska St., Kharkiv, UA-61177

Tel: +38 (057) 372-12-20

E-mail: au.gro.esicnn%40esicnn

National Scientific Center «Ноn. Prof. М.S. Bokarius Forensic Science Institute»

8-A, Zolochivska St., Kharkiv, UA-61177

Tel: +38 (057) 372-12-20

E-mail: au.gro.esicnn%40esicnn

National Scientific Center «Ноn. Prof. М.S. Bokarius Forensic Science Institute»

NSC FSI Receives Humanitarian Aid from the Republic of Latvia

In 2023, the State Forensic Science Bureau of Latvia (hereinafter referred to as SFSB), represented by Director Maira Čentoricka, the National Scientific Center «Hon. Prof. M. S. Bokarius Forensic Science Institute» of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine (hereinafter referred to as NSC FSI), represented by Director Serhii Tiulieniev, and the Estonian Forensic Science Institute of (hereinafter referred to as EFSI), represented by Director Ivar Prits, signed a trilateral agreement titled «Support for Ukrainian Forensic Experts in Documentation of the War Crimes Committed by the Russian Federation (for Ukraine)» (hereinafter referred to as the Agreement). The Agreement was co-funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.
Thanks to the efforts of SFSB, Deputy Director Raimonds Apinis, Head of the Department of Biological and Chemical Research at SFSB Māra Rēpele, and SFSB’s representative in Ukraine Olga Pashkova, NSC FSI forensic experts visited SFSB twice and EFSI once for working visits. These visits were aimed at experience exchange, professional development, and assisting in the development and testing of new forensic methods within the framework of the Agreement.

The main outcome of the successful completion of the trilateral Agreement is that NSC FSI has received humanitarian aid from the Republic of Latvia to support DNA analysis and other forensic research. The aid, including equipment and consumables, totals €70,000.
The process of transferring and delivering this humanitarian aid involved two charitable organizations from Latvia and Ukraine.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Latvian charitable organization Bruņotava, represented by coordinator Ingus Ostrovskis, for organizing the transportation of the humanitarian aid to Ukraine (to the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Ukraine). The aid was received by Madara Siliņa, Deputy Head of the Mission on Reform and Reconstruction at the Embassy, alongside representatives of the Kharkiv Regional Charitable Foundation "Daruj Dobro" (Chairman - Yulia Ovdienko) and members of the Kyiv branch of NSC FSI.
Special thanks go to the Kharkiv Regional Charitable Foundation "Daruj Dobro" for facilitating the smooth border crossing and ensuring the direct delivery of the aid to the NSC FSI in Kharkiv.

In these challenging times, supporting one another is more important than ever. Support can take various forms—kind words, advice, joint efforts, experience exchange, or humanitarian aid. Unity and mutual assistance strengthen us, giving us hope and the resilience needed to overcome difficulties. Together, we can face and conquer any challenges!

Collaboration with international partners is a significant step toward implementing joint scientific research, projects, and programs aimed at solving pressing issues in forensic science. It also supports forensic activities in Ukraine to protect human rights and ensure fair judicial proceedings, especially under martial law.

Together, we move toward victory! Glory to Ukraine!