Acta Securitatae Volynienses

INFORMATION SECURITY OF UKRAINE DURING A FULL-SCALE INVASION

Karyna Vladimirova — 2024-11-05

The article is devoted to the study of the problems of ensuring information security of Ukraine in the conditions of a full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation on its territory. The authors did not ignore the key events and incidents that preceded this invasion, however, they were of a dangerous nature and carried corresponding risks and threats to the national interests of Ukraine, prepared the appropriate ground for the invasion, were a kind of “pen tests” in the context of the exacerbation and deepening of the hybrid aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. It was possible to investigate such hybrid actions of the influence of an information nature thanks to the use of the “case-study” method, which involves the selection and study of individual cases and precedents. The authors also used the method of structural and functional analysis to study the structures that ensure the protection of the information space of Ukraine from hostile influences. Particular attention is paid to the study of strategic documents in the industry, which were considered using the method of content analysis. Among the trends observed in the information space of Ukraine in the context of resistance to armed aggression, the authors highlight the diversification and increase in the number of threats. Prompt response to these threats is significantly complicated by the lack of qualified specialists in the field and insufficient funding in conditions where a significant financial resource is directed for objective reasons to countering threats of a military nature. The authors established that Ukraine has made significant progress in ensuring information security, but the speed with which the development and improvement of modern technologies in the field is moving requires the Ukrainian government to make new quality management decisions to protect the information space of the state.

MILITARIZATION OF FOOTBALL ULTRAS BY THE RUSSIAN AUTHORITIES (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE PRIVATE MILITARY COMPANY “ESPAÑOLA”)

Serhii Kulyk — 2024-11-05

One of the military formations of the Russian Federation fighting against Ukraine is the military organization “Española”. It was created in the fall of 2022 from fans of Russia’s leading football clubs, who in peaceful life are fierce opponents in fan fights. The PMC leadership claims that such people fight better than mobilized ones, because they are more motivated and disciplined, hardened in fanatical fights. The number of members of the gang reaches three digits. In February 2023, the pro-ruling United Russia party took over “Española”; the unit was given the status of a private military campaign (PMC) and began recruiting fighters. The purpose of the article is to prove the modern Russian Federation authorities are deliberately militarizing Russian football ultras, hools after a full-scale invasion of the Ukraine territory in 2022. In the research, the author uses structural-functional, psychological and comparative methods, the method of group theory. The peculiarities of the formation, emergence of the name “Española”, its ideology, moral and financial support of the PMC by sports clubs and organizations of Russia, individual coaches, football players are traced. Attention is drawn to the sports and political confrontation between Ukrainian and Russian fans in the “Azov” regiment and the “Española” PMC during hostilities, the spread of fakes by the Russian side about the of fan movement in Ukraine. Commonalities in the creation and activity of “Española” and “Wagner” PMCs are given. It has been proven that the militarization of Russian society turned into war psychosis and became an element of mass consciousness. There is a significant possibility that after the end of the war, Russian fans will be able to use the acquired military experience to create tension during matches in the stadiums of the world and in the surrounding football movement. Thus, the Russian authorities deliberately discredit the domestic and world movement of fans and ultras, spread militaristic perception to the entire fan base.

PATRIOTISM AS A STRATEGIC RESOURCE OF NATIONAL SECURITY: STRENGTHENING CIVIL SOCIETY IN UKRAINE

Volodymyr Lisovskyi — 2024-11-05

The article reveals the importance of patriotic values in ensuring national security and stability of the state, and explores the concept of patriotism as a fundamental resource for consolidating civil society, which in turn becomes a powerful tool for countering external and internal threats. The author analyses how patriotism affects the formation of a strong national identity and civic consciousness, which are crucial factors in ensuring the sustainability of state institutions in times of social and political change. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the mechanisms of formation of patriotic sentiments through the educational system and the media. The article also examines approaches to integrating patriotism into Ukraine’s national security strategy. This includes not only raising patriotic consciousness, but also the importance of a balanced approach to the realisation of national interests in the context of global challenges and the state’s international obligations. Attention is focused on how patriotism can serve as a stabilising factor that helps to strengthen the state from within, while keeping it integrated into the global context.

THE ESSENCE AND MAIN CLASSIFICATION DIMENSIONS OF COLLABORATIONISM

Nataliya Nikolaienko — 2024-11-05

The article considers the main definitions of the term “collaboration”. A historical excursion to the emergence and manifestation of this phenomenon during the Second World War is conducted, the main forms of collaboration are outlined, and the reasons for which this or that person may make a decision about criminal cooperation with the aggressor state are indicated. In the article, the author came to the conclusion that the phenomenon of collaboration depends on many factors: from economic to military and ideological. The circle of influence of the aggressor on a potential collaborator is quite large, therefore, it is not easy to track down and punish traitors. Collaboration as a phenomenon of a war is a complex socio-psychological phenomenon of voluntary, in particular, ideologically motivated cooperation with the enemy in the political, military, economic, socio-cultural spheres of life, the result of which is the undermining of the national security of the country, the posing a threat to state sovereignty, territorial integrity, the constitutional order and other national interests of the state.It is noted that collaboration is always a deliberate activity to the detriment of its own people and the state, therefore today the settlement of legal relations on the occupied territories of Ukraine and war zones is impossible without restoring justice and restricting a number of rights of individuals involved in collaboration, that it is possible to resolve exclusively by law.

DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN PRACTICE OF COUNTERING ENEMY INFORMATION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATION 2022–2024

Vladyslav Strelkov — 2024-11-05

Within the framework of this study, the authors carried out a comprehensive analysis of informational and psychological operations carried out by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in the period 2022–2024, with the aim of identifying the methods, goals and consequences of their implementation. The researchers examined specific strategies and tactics used by Russia to conduct information and psychological operations, including disinformation, propaganda, cyberattacks and other forms of psychological influence. Considerable attention is paid to the analysis of the impact of information and psychological operations on Ukrainian society, domestic politics, international relations and the economy of Ukraine. The authors also highlighted the measures taken by our state and the international community to counter the conduct of information and psychological operations in the information space of Ukraine, provided an assessment of their effectiveness and identified best practices in the field of information security based on foreign experience. The authors of the study draw readers’ attention to the fact that the analysis of information and psychological operations carried out by Russia during 2022-2024 is critically important for the development and implementation of effective countermeasures. They should include both tactical and strategic aspects aimed at ensuring national security, protecting national interests in the information space, and maintaining public trust in state institutions. The researchers established that the informational and psychological operations of the Russian Federation against Ukraine were carried out in a complex manner, including such components as disinformation, propaganda, cyberattacks and other forms of psychological influence. They were aimed at destabilizing the situation in Ukraine, discrediting the Ukrainian leadership, creating panic among the population and intensifying internal conflicts. These operations were well planned and executed through various channels, which made them extremely effective in achieving their objectives.

YOUTH ACTIVISM DURING WARTIME: SYNERGY OF THEORETICAL CONCEPTS AND EMPIRICAL REALITY OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Olga Kuzmuk — 2024-11-05

Life in conditions of social uncertainty and instability presents a series of challenges and threats, but alongside these challenges, there are also opportunities that serve as a catalyst for positive social change and qualitative transformations both within communities and at the national level. Ultimately, societal instability and crisis can act as a unique catalyst for the activation of civic participation and activism, particularly among youth movements, which actively contribute to social change and humanitarian assistance. Young people play a crucial role as agents of change, mobilizing their resources and energy to help those affected, organize humanitarian actions, and protect human rights in times of crisis. The article thoroughly examines the role of youth in civic activity during armed conflicts, focusing on their contributions to social movements, volunteer initiatives, and support for local communities. The research is based on a qualitative analysis of the experiences of young activists, their motivations, the challenges they face, and the achievements they attain in wartime conditions. The author particularly emphasizes the mechanisms that facilitate youth engagement in civic initiatives, including the use of social media, networking, and partnerships with existing organizations. These aspects highlight how modern technologies are transforming traditional approaches to volunteering and activism. Furthermore, the article explores the ability of youth to form new social connections and create innovative solutions in conditions of instability, demonstrating their flexibility and adaptability. The importance of supporting youth initiatives is underscored as a critical element for strengthening civil society and ensuring resilience in crisis situations. The conclusions of the article may serve as a foundation for developing strategies to support youth that will foster social change within society. The empirical foundation of the article consists of a series of studies conducted by the Analytical Center “Volyn” at Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University. The focus of these studies is on examining youth and youth initiatives, particularly analyzing the motivations that encourage young people to participate in social actions and volunteer projects. Important aspects also include studying the impact of social and economic conditions on youth activity, as well as their expectations regarding changes in society. The research employs qualitative methods, such as interviews and focus groups, which allow for a deeper understanding of the needs and interests of young activists. This enables the identification of not only the challenges they face but also the opportunities for their development and participation in civic initiatives. The research emphasizes the potential of youth as a driving force during armed conflicts, opening new perspectives for studying their role in shaping social order. This study also aims to raise societal awareness about the significance of active youth participation in civic affairs, as well as to provide recommendations for policymakers seeking to support youth initiatives in the context of social justice and human rights. Furthermore, the article examines the ability of young people to form new social connections and create innovative solutions in conditions of instability, demonstrating their flexibility and adaptability. The importance of supporting youth initiatives is emphasized as a critical element for strengthening civil society and ensuring resilience in crisis situations. The conclusions of the article can serve as a foundation for developing strategies to support youth, promoting social change in society while highlighting the synergy between theoretical concepts and the empirical reality of civic engagement.

TRAJECTORY OF CHANGES IN CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL CONFLICTS (THE CASE OF UKRAINE)

Hanna Lavrynenko — 2024-11-05

The article is dedicated to the study of contemporary political conflicts, analyzing their diversity, conditions, and causes. The authors examine the theoretical basis of the research, highlighting the types and specifics of modern conflicts. It is noted that modern globalization has practically made it impossible for individual states to resolve global contradictions in isolation. The multitude of causes behind today’s conflicts leads to an increase in the number of interested parties, who, in pursuing their own interests, may provide informal support to one of the conflict parties. This, in fact, leads to a potential increase in the number of conflict actors. The authors emphasize that achieving full consensus on conflict resolution is quite problematic in today’s world. Usually, there is a transition from one state to another, with changes in form, nature, types, the composition of actors, goals, and priorities. As a result, the level of global tension does not subside but instead moves the political system into a state of permanent turbulence. Attention is drawn to the fact that conflicts are present in almost every country, but not all of them are in an active phase. Significant attention in the research is given to monitoring the level of violent conflicts around the world. Based on data from the ACLED Conflict Index, the authors review 50 places with the most intense conflicts, which vary in intensity, frequency, and form, and their levels are classified as “extreme," “high," and “turbulent." Special attention is given to the military-political conflict in Ukraine. The dynamics of Ukraine’s position in the global ranking of violent conflicts over the past year are traced. It has been found that the trajectory of changes in the militarypolitical conflict in Ukraine over the past year shows a worsening of the situation. The temporary success is due to the stagnation of the conflict and its transition to an exhaustion phase, as well as the continued escalation of conflicts in other countries.

STAROSTYN DISTRICT OF THE LUTSK CITY-TERRITORIAL COMMUNITY

Halyna Panyshko — 2024-11-05

Starostinsky district is the newest component of the decentralization process, which is the territory of a united territorial community created in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On voluntary unification of territorial communities”. Starostinsky district is formed by the relevant village, settlement, city council consisting of one or several settlements, on the territory of which at least five hundred residents live. The activities of the district are regulated by the Regulation on Starostinsky districts. When forming starostinsky districts, historical, natural, ethnic, cultural and other factors influencing development in terms of socio-economic indicators are taken into account. The Lutsk urban territorial community includes five starostinsky districts: Bogolyubsky, Zhidichynsky, Zaborolsky, Knyagininovsky, Priluksky. Lutsk urban territorial society is an association of residents of villages – 34 villages, settlements – 1, cities – 1, having a single administrative center – the city of Lutsk. Village, settlement, city councils approve elders for their positions upon the recommendation of the relevant village, settlement, city mayor. The elder is an official of local government and is guided in his/her activities by the Regulation on the elder, exercising certain powers, and also has certain rights and obligations.

CONFIDENCE IN POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS AS A FACTOR INFLUENCING THE PARTY SYSTEM OF UKRAINE IN THE CONDITIONS OF A FULL-SCALE WAR AGAINST THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Yaroslav Yarosh — 2024-11-05

One of the key indicators of the efficiency of political parties and the state of the party system in general is the level of public trust in these institutions. However, according to the results of sociological research, the level of trust in political parties in Ukraine remains quite low. Russian aggression, which began in 2014, had a significant impact on all spheres of life in Ukraine, including the country’s political system. The full-scale invasion, which began on February 24, 2022, was an even greater upheaval that affected society and, in particular, the level of trust in various institutions. As a result of the study, it was established that the level of trust in political parties in Ukraine during the full-scale war remains one of the lowest among political and social institutions. Although in 2022 there was a significant increase in trust in law enforcement agencies and certain authorities, for political parties this effect was less pronounced and did not last long. Already in the second year of the full-scale war, the level of trust in the parties decreased and became lower than in 2021. The emergence of new political parties, in particular those founded by the military, before the next parliamentary elections can increase trust in political parties. At the same time, the majority of respondents do not support holding elections during the war. Also, more than a third of the respondents continue to support the existing political parties, believing that they are sufficient to meet public expectations. For the incumbent parties, the way to increase trust can be the development of political education, educational activities to increase the public’s awareness of politics, as well as effective communication with voters in order to overcome negative stereotypes.