MAIN TRENDS IN THE TRANSFORMATION OF UKRAINE’S STATE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY UNDER MARTIAL LAW AND EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

Abstract

The study examines the transformation of Ukraine’s state regional development policy under martial law caused by the full-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation. It is substantiated that the war has become a catalyst for profound structural changes within the public administration system, emphasizing the need to reconsider the conceptual foundations of regional policy. It is determined that decentralization reforms have created institutional prerequisites for enhancing the adaptability of regions, strengthening their managerial capacity, and mobilizing internal resources under crisis conditions. The mechanisms of interaction between military administrations and local self-government bodies are revealed. Emphasis is placed on the fact that, under wartime conditions, regional policy should serve not only as a tool for economic equalization but also as an instrument of national cohesion, resilience, and strategic recovery. The importance of Ukraine’s European integration course is highlighted, which envisages the implementation of the European Union’s «cohesion policy» principles aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for all regions regardless of their socio-economic status. In this context, it is determined that the modernization of regional policy should be based on the principles of «smart specialization», indicative planning, institutional interaction, and the digitalization of management processes. It is substantiated that an effective post-war regional development strategy should combine state and local governance, ensure broad public participation, develop digital tools for transparency and accountability, and create favorable conditions for investment and entrepreneurship. The conclusions emphasize that the synergy of decentralization, European integration, and local self-organization processes forms the foundation for the sustainable recovery of the state and the strengthening of its competitiveness in the global environment.