Legal Regulation of Countering Collaborationism by Operational and Investigative Units of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine

The article examines the problem of collaborationism in the context of current threats to Ukraine’s national security, especially under the conditions of armed aggression by the Russian federation, which intensified significantly after the full-scale invasion in 2022. It emphasizes the relevance of studying collaborationist activities as part of the hybrid war being waged against Ukraine, which includes not only armed confrontation but also the use of local populations involved in cooperation with the enemy. It is established that collaborationist activity significantly undermines the state’s defense capabilities, creates additional risks for border security, and requires appropriate response from law enforcement agencies, including the State border guard service of Ukraine (SBGS). The article analyzes the legislative framework for countering collaborationism, particularly the introduction of Article 111-1 into the Criminal code of Ukraine, which defines the characteristics, forms, and criminal liability for collaborationist activities. It is found that while the primary responsibility for investigating such crimes lies with the Security service of Ukraine, the operational and investigative units of the SBGS also play a crucial role in detecting, documenting, and preventing such offenses, especially in border regions and temporarily occupied territories. The article outlines the legal and organizational principles of SBGS participation, in particular its operational and investigative units, in the national security system, and reveals the specifics of conducting operational and investigative activities to counter collaborationism. It emphasizes the need for interagency cooperation, coordination among law enforcement bodies, improvement of legal and regulatory support, and enhancement of practical response effectiveness to threats against Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.