At the “Book Arsenal” event, law enforcement carried out large-scale security measures and confiscated a significant number of prohibited items, including weapons, ammunition, and gas canisters
Overall, during this year's festival, officials confiscated one firearm, 12 rounds of ammunition, 74 gas cylinders, and 127 bladed and pointed objects. These figures come from the State Security Department of Ukraine, which is responsible for ensuring the safety of high-ranking officials and event participants. The source explains that organizing events of such scale requires special security protocols, including establishing restricted zones and strict control over attendees. Security measures involve creating a controlled area with continuous safety oversight, including the confiscation of prohibited items. Every large public event, particularly the "Book Arsenal," which draws thousands of visitors each year, is considered a potential target for malicious actors, thus special attention is paid to safeguarding high-ranking officials and participants. Representatives of the Security Department emphasize: "One of the mandatory components of security measures is restricted zones, which include limiting access for outsiders and vehicles, as well as conducting mandatory checks of documents and personal belongings. The confiscation of prohibited items encompasses weapons, explosive substances and devices, laser and other harmful equipment." These measures aim to prevent potential incidents and ensure the safety of all festival attendees. Specifically, according to law enforcement data, during this year's "Book Arsenal" festival, one firearm, 12 rounds of ammunition, 74 gas canisters, and 127 bladed and sharp objects were confiscated from visitors and organizers' personal belongings. This underscores the seriousness of the security measures, as all these items pose potential threats and could cause serious harm if they fall into malicious hands or accidental teenagers. Additionally, it is noted that these measures not only ensure the safety of high-ranking officials and distinguished guests but also protect everyone present. This is especially important given that numerous members of the public, including from various regions of the country, attend the event to explore contemporary Ukrainian literature, cultural happenings, authors, and publishers. Let us remind that the 13th International "Book Arsenal" festival is taking place from May 29 to June 1 in Kyiv at the historic Old Arsenal building. The event attracts thousands of literary enthusiasts, high officials, public figures, and representatives of the cultural sector. Among the notable guests have been President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with his wife, as well as Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. Overall, a complex and thorough security system is an integral part of modern large-scale cultural and public events, especially when the safety of state officials and citizens is at stake. Confiscating prohibited items before the festival demonstrates the organizers' and law enforcement agencies' responsible attitude towards the safety of participants and guests. These measures are essential to ensuring that the cultural event proceeds smoothly and safely for everyone present.