From missile strikes to environmental crimes: the contribution of Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise to the fight against the aggressor

Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise (Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise) is an important component of the forensic system of Ukraine. Its experts conduct thousands of examinations every year, work on the most complex criminal and civil cases, ensuring justice and protecting the state interests even in times of war, UNN writes.

Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise performs over 35 thousand  examinations annually, holding a leading position among the expert institutions of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. The Institute covers the widest range of research, including economic, forensic, military and environmental examinations.

Particular attention is paid to complex research that involves the involvement of specialists of various specialties. This allows KFI to solve the most complex problems. Its experts, in particular, analyze the military weapons used by Russia in the war against Ukraine to determine their origin, technical characteristics and possible modifications.

It also conducts examinations of illegal tobacco production. The Institute is the only institution in Ukraine that has the necessary resources to conduct such research.

Therefore, due to the high quality of its work, Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise is the main partner of law enforcement agencies and the judicial system.

Documenting war crimes: from weapons analysis to international sanctions

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, KFI has focused its efforts on documenting war crimes. For example, experts are examining the remains of missiles, drones and ammunition, identifying foreign components. These results form the basis for expanding sanctions against Russia, including international ones.

For example, specialists of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise have completed a study of the latest Russian missile, the X-69, which is a modernized version of the X-59 missile. It was found that it consists of 80% foreign-made components.

In addition, experts are studying how Russian weapons are changing and modernizing . This, in particular, helps the Ukrainian military to counter it more effectively.

The KFI also studies the technical features of North Korean missiles that Russia uses to attack Ukraine and investigates Russian drones.

For example, the Institute's experts have found that the Russians have begun to use attack drones with thermobaric warheads. 

In addition to examining weapons, experts also record the consequences of shelling of Ukrainian territories, identify the type of weapon, assess the extent of destruction and determine the amount of damage. The Institute has already examined more than 12,000 properties that were damaged as a result of Russian attacks.

The Institute also conducts research on cases of crimes in the de-occupied territories. After the liberation of more than 500 settlements, the experts of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise conducted detailed examinations, providing the evidence base of Russian aggression for international tribunals.

These activities not only help bring the perpetrators to justice, but also help Ukraine defend its interests in the international arena.

Environmental protection: environmental crimes of war

Russia's war has also caused significant damage to the environment. Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise is actively working to record and investigate crimes against the environment. Experts analyze pollution, in particular, they examine soil, water and air for the presence of harmful substances caused by military operations.

Experts also determine the extent of environmental damage, which is important for ecosystem restoration and compensation through international courts.

In addition, the Institute develops strategies to minimize the effects of war-related pollution by helping communities restore the natural environment.

These studies are aimed at protecting the ecological balance and preparing evidence for litigation against the aggressor.

International recognition and cooperation

Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise is the only expert institution in the Ministry of Justice system that participates in international investigations. Among the most important projects:

• Investigation of the MH-17 Flight Crash: The Institute provided key expert support in the case that proved Russia's involvement in the downing of the plane.
• Weapons research in cooperation with the International Criminal Court. Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise is involved in the case of war crimes against Russia, providing data on the use of prohibited weapons.
• Cooperation with ENFSI: The Institute is the first among Ukrainian institutions to be accredited by the European Network of Forensic Science Institutions. This allows the results of examinations to be recognized internationally.

This cooperation opens up new opportunities for KFI and contributes to the recognition of the Ukrainian expert community on the world stage.

Innovations in forensic science

Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise is actively implementing the latest technologies to improve the quality and accuracy of research. Experts use, in particular, 3D modeling to reconstruct crimes and visualize crime scenes. For example, a study of the detention of civilians in the basements of the village of Yahidne became one of the important pieces of evidence in international courts.

The use of modern equipment for technical analysis allows us to identify details that are inaccessible by conventional methods, such as the origin of weapons components or the specifics of production processes.

The Institute is constantly improving its methods to ensure the highest level of expertise.

Plans for the future

KFI also shared their plans for the future. They plan to continue modernizing their laboratories. After all, new equipment and modern methods will allow to expand the range of research.

In addition, KFI noted that they will not stop working on the development of international cooperation. The Institute plans to deepen ties with international organizations to work together on complex cases.

In addition, KFI is considering expanding the range of research, in particular in the field of cybersecurity and digital evidence analysis.

Thus, it is not only a research institution, but also a strategic partner in ensuring justice. Its contribution to documenting war crimes, environmental disasters, and maintaining sanctions pressure on Russia is extremely important for protecting Ukraine and its interests in the international arena, as well as in countering Russian aggression.