Ukraine has introduced new rules for the transfer and export of enemy weapons and military equipment captured by Ukrainian forces.
The changes were adopted by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 661 of 27 May 2026, which entered into force on 3 June 2026. Before this, Ukraine did not have a dedicated procedure for handling captured military hardware.
The resolution allows captured weapons and equipment to be transferred to legal entities fully owned or founded by Ukrainian state bodies for defence research, design and technological work. Such transfers will require Cabinet of Ministers decisions and coordination with the Ministry of Defence.
The resolution also simplifies export rules in specific cases. Export approval will not be required when captured equipment is exported by an authorised state customer for defence or security-related research, design or technological work under Ukraine’s international security and defence cooperation agreements.
The new mechanism is intended to support the study of captured enemy systems, improve Ukrainian defence products, develop countermeasures and involve foreign partners faster in joint technological development.