Ensuring the national security of Ukraine in the conditions of geopolitical challenges

This scientific article is devoted to the issue of ensuring the national security of Ukraine in the face of geopolitical challenges. National security is the basis of the functioning of the state and an integral part of its development. It is critically important because it allows the country to maintain its integrity in conditions of destabilization. In the conditions of russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the issue of national security is becoming especially acute. Since February 24, 2022, the threat to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our state has acquired previously unprecedented proportions. The article examines the impact of external and internal factors on Ukraine’s security strategy, as well as studies and analyses the legal framework that regulates the foundations of national security and defence. Particular attention is paid to the role of key institutions of the security and defence sector, in particular, the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the operation of international security guarantees, which have proven to be ineffective in practice. It is pointed out that one of the important tools of the NSDC is the imposition of personal sanctions against persons involved in the aggression against our country. The NSDC’s sanctions policy has not only symbolic but also practical significance: assets and property are blocked, and entry of persons who threaten national security is prohibited. At the same time, the key role in strengthening security is played not only by the state apparatus, but also by civil society institutions, which should act as a pillar of national security. The article analyses approaches to national security in the modern legal framework, based on the current strategic documents and the realities of the ongoing war. In particular, it is noted that the Constitution of Ukraine, the Law ‘On National Security’, the National Security Strategy and other doctrinal documents form the fundamental legal framework for responding to threats, ensuring sovereignty, territorial integrity, rights and freedoms of citizens. The article analyses approaches to national security in the modern legal framework, based on current strategic documents and the realities of the ongoing war. In particular, it is noted that the Constitution of Ukraine, the Law ‘On National Security’, the National Security Strategy and other doctrinal documents form the fundamental legal framework for responding to threats, ensuring sovereignty, territorial integrity, rights and freedoms of citizens. The study reveals the importance of legal and institutional mechanisms that ensure the integrity, sovereignty and stability of the state, as well as define the key directions of Ukraine’s security policy in the current environment. The article is based on a comprehensive analysis of legal sources, official documents and current practice of ensuring security in a full-scale war.