Frontex Warns of Arms Smuggling Risk After Ukraine War

The European border agency Frontex has warned that Europe could face a serious security risk from large-scale arms smuggling after a possible end to the war between Russia and Ukraine.

According to Politico, Frontex Deputy Executive Director Lars Gerdes said the risk could rise sharply after a ceasefire or peace deal because large quantities of weapons, ammunition and explosives would remain in Ukraine.

“Arms smuggling could happen on a larger scale. This could become a security problem for Europe”, Gerdes said.

He said there was a risk of a repeat of the situation after the wars in the former Yugoslavia, when illegal weapons spread into several European countries. Frontex has therefore strengthened its presence on Ukraine’s western borders since the start of Russia’s invasion and is monitoring the situation closely.

“We have been preparing for this since the beginning of the war”, Gerdes said.

He added that the risk would be particularly high after a ceasefire or peace agreement.

“At that point, there will be a large amount of weapons, ammunition and explosives in the country, and many people who need money”, Gerdes said.

Frontex sees preparation for the post-war period as one of the key security challenges facing the European Union in the coming years.

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