Russian Aggression Research Articles

ENERGY SECURITY POLICY OF UKRAINE: STRATEGIC CHALLENGES AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

The issues of energy security are among the decisive factors in determining domestic and foreign policy most countries of the world. The article is devoted to the evolution of the concept of energy security of Ukraine from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. Also raised are the problematic issues of the formation of the concept of international energy security at the current stage, which poses problems of a global nature to Ukraine, taking into account the risks that arise, which are resolved through dialogue between states. Which is especially important in the conditions of Russian aggression on the territory of Ukraine. The article analyzes the practical approach to the concept of “energy security”, reveals the main concepts of “energy security”. Based on the study of the concept of energy policy of countries that are importers, exporters and countries through which energy resources are transited, an attempt is made to identify unified approaches to the content of this concept. The analysis of the current international legislation showed the absence of a single formulation of the studied concept, which is based, in our opinion, on the difference in approaches and multifacetedness. At the same time, the authors indicate the need for a scientific analysis of this concept precisely from a legal point of view, which is justified by the need for constant regulatory support of the conditions necessary to ensure energy security. The article is devoted to the description of the main renewable energy sources and their use in Ukraine, which is dictated by the energy policy. According to experts, the potential of renewable energy sources is significantly higher than the total consumption of fuel and energy resources, which can reduce emissions of the latter into the atmosphere. Therefore, the need to immediately build a “green economy” in Ukraine is substantiated. Based on the theory and taking into account the similar experience of advanced countries, the directions, planned paths and mechanisms of accelerated development of Ukraine’s energy security policy were selected.

Polish Assistance for the Ukrainian Refugees: Current State and Perspectives of Research

The aid for the Ukrainian refugees in Poland has been analyzed almost since the beginning of the full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. In 2023, the first comprehensive studies on that topic were published. This article aims to map the state of research on Polish assistance – both direct and indirect support – to the Ukrainians fleeing the war to determine which issues have been the subject of analysis and which have been ignored. On the basis of the publications indexed in Scopus and in Google Scholar, a total of 110 publications dealing directly with the topic of the Polish aid for the Ukrainian refugees were identified. They include working papers, articles and books which were published from March 2022 to November 2023. The article is divided into four parts. The first part has an introductory character and aims at presenting the publications, which explain why Poland and its inhabitants massively helped the Ukrainian refugees. The next three parts focus on the role of the main types of actors involved in assisting the Ukrainians in Poland, i.e. state-institutions, actors such as non-governmental organizations, business, educational institutions and churches, and finally Polish society.

Historical analogies, traumatic past and responses to the war in Ukraine

Abstract This article examines the use of historical analogies by political leaders during foreign policy crises. Specifically, we focus on the German, Polish and Czech leaderships' reactions to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and investigate the historical analogies which leaders invoked to justify their responses to Russia's aggression. The existing scholarship recognizes the importance of historical analogies in foreign policy decision-making, but the literature focuses predominantly on several high-profile analogies (i.e. the Munich Agreement or the Vietnam War) and lacks comparative perspective. We employ a dual-method approach that combines qualitative coding with semantic network analysis, and conduct a comparative analysis of the full spectrum of analogies used by Polish, Czech and German policy-makers. We find that politicians did not focus on a single overarching analogy, but employed a wide array of historical references. We also find that even though the countries' policies largely aligned and that their leaders often invoked the same events, the meaning of analogies and the signals they sent differed substantially across cases. Analysing the full spectrum of analogies demonstrates that justifications for supporting Ukraine were shaped more by these states' own historical traumas than by their sympathy for Ukraine, support for international law, or desire to uphold the rules-based international order.

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AS A BASIS FOR THE FORMATION OF HUMAN CAPITAL IN RURAL AREAS

The article is dedicated to the analysis of economic, social, and environmental problems that intensified at the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century, stimulating the development of the concept of sustainable development. The authors examine contemporary challenges related to inequality between rich and poor countries, rising greenhouse gas emissions, and the consequences for the environment and society. The aim of the study is to systematize and generalize the existing theoretical and methodological foundations of sustainable development and to clarify them in the context of human capital formation in rural areas. The historical development of the concept of sustainable development, which was established at the UN conference in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, is considered, and three main components of this concept are presented: economic, social, and environmental. The study addresses the classical concept of sustainable development based on the Venn diagram, illustrating the harmonious combination of these components. Special attention is given to the analysis of indicators used for assessing sustainable development in rural areas. Specifically, both domestic and foreign methodological approaches to measuring the effectiveness and inclusiveness of the development of these areas are studied. The article examines various methodological approaches to assessing sustainable development, particularly in rural areas, with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN. The study presents an analysis of 17 Global Goals adopted for the period until 2030, aimed at achieving peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in all countries. It is revealed that Ukraine, as a UN member, has actively participated in the implementation of the SDGs, particularly through the national report “Sustainable Development Goals: Ukraine” in 2017. The study substantiates the importance of adapting global goals to the national characteristics of Ukraine, taking into account the specifics of the socio-economic and ecological system. A list of key goals for sustainable development in rural areas of Ukraine is provided, including poverty eradication, agricultural development, ensuring quality education, clean water, decent work, innovation, and infrastructure. The research identifies the importance of indicators for monitoring the achievement of goals and comparing them with the target values planned for 2030. However, considering the current situation with Russian aggression, the achievement of these goals is only possible in the long-term perspective.

The Beowulf Group: Taking the lead to defend Europe

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has exposed divisions in European strategic culture and threat perception. The search for a lowest-common-denominator response to the threat has hampered the European reply to the Russian aggression, often forcing the EU to move at the speed of its slowest member, whether in supplying ammunition and equipment to Ukraine or setting up the defence industry needed to accelerate such a supply in the future. Notwithstanding the importance of keeping a broad coalition together, this article argues that it is now time to create a vanguard of like-minded European nations, led by France, Poland and, though not an EU member, the UK, but open to other states, which can force the creation of a new strategic culture able to meet the Russian threat. This ‘Beowulf Group’, named after the Danish hero from the Anglo-Saxon epic who stood up to the marauding monster Grendel, could establish a Strategic College for Europe, a joint Elite European Reserve Legion and a strategic communications centre, to move European policy in a more active direction.

State special transport service in the system of subjects of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine: directions of influence and the role of public administration for their implementation

It was emphasized that in the conditions of ongoing Russian aggression, the issue of effective and stable functioning of the system of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has become important. It is noted that such an intention is possible only thanks to the systematically effective work of all subjects of this system. The exceptional role of the State Special Service of Transport in this aspect is emphasized, given the subject orientation of the latter. We are talking about the transport component, which is one of the basic prerequisites for the successful implementation of the lion’s share of measures by subjects not only of the ministry system, but also of the entire security and defense sector. The position of the State Special Service of Transport as a subject of public-legal relations at the current stage of law-making is highlighted in general outlines. It was found that it is appropriate to talk about an institution endowed with the status of a specialized military formation, which carries out a number of defense measures peculiar only to it. Despite its regulatory specifics, it is advisable to talk about a number of similar parameters, compared to the rest of the institutions. The essence of the directions of the analyzed body’s work, including under the current situation, is outlined and disclosed. Arguably, it is emphasized that such directions are derived from the functions of the institution, which the latter’s officials implement in practice. The legislator’s position on their gradation into two fundamental groups was supported and developed: 1) peacetime; 2) a special period. Based on this, the author’s vision of the quantitative and specific composition of the areas of work of the State Special Service of Transport is proposed, followed by their general characteristics. The problems of the importance of public administration tools in the framework of the implementation of management functions performed by this specialized military formation have been studied. It is emphasized that the presence of these tools is a prerequisite for the implementation of management steps. The above constitutes a critical and unalternative position from the point of view of the application of appropriate measures within the limits of one or another outlined direction. Based on the preliminary results, an attempt was made to determine the place of the State Special Transport Service in the structure of the Ministry of Defense system. Based on the competence of the institution, directions of influence and awareness of the role of the stability of the transport component, a well-argued assumption is made about the uniquely important role of this institution.

Mechanisms of restoration of public authorities and justice in the de-occupied territories of Ukraine: theoretical and applied aspects

the context of russian aggression, which led to the temporary occupation of parts of the Ukrainian territory, there is a need to implement complex measures to restore sovereignty, law and order, and legality. The article reveals a number of important aspects, which include theoretical approaches to the restoration of public power, mechanisms for the restoration of justice, implementation of stabilization measures and practical aspects of their implementation in the de-occupied territories. The theoretical part of the article justifies the need to develop new legal norms that would take into account the specifics of the post-conflict situation, while integrating international standards and the experience of other countries that have undergone similar trials. The role of restoring trust in state institutions through reforming and modernizing the judicial system, ensuring the fair trial of cases, as well as ways of improving the efficiency of justice through the implementation of programs for rehabilitation and support of victims are considered. The mechanisms of restoring justice are highlighted, where the authors emphasize the need to strengthen the institutional base, create conditions for access to judicial protection, and bring to justice persons guilty of crimes during the occupation. Options for implementation of stabilization measures are discussed, in particular, restoration of infrastructure, provision of basic needs of the population, support of local business and creation of new jobs, which will contribute to social cohesion and restoration of public order. The conclusions emphasize the need for a systematic approach, comprehensive measures and adaptation to changing conditions for the successful restoration of law and order in the de-occupied territories. It is recommended to focus on the development of effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms that will allow prompt response to challenges and adjustment of recovery strategies. This article will make an important contribution to the scholarly dialogue on restoring public power and justice in post-conflict development, providing valuable guidance for law enforcement and policy decisions.

The military ombudsman as an institutional guarantee for the protection of military personnel rights (based on foreign experience)

The article draws attention to the fact that today, in the conditions of Russian aggression, the state of compliance with the rights of domestic servicemen has significantly deteriorated, which requires the improvement of the constitutional and legal tools for their protection. The foreign experience of developed democratic countries in solving the problem of effectively ensuring the rights of the military through the introduction of specialized ombudsmen in the affairs of the armed forces is analyzed. The legal nature of military ombudsmen as specialized human rights institutions that have proven themselves positively in a number of states, the history of their introduction, and the positive consequences of their functioning are studied. Considerable attention in the work is devoted to the models of specialized ombudsmen in the affairs of the armed forces: a) regarding their legislative recognition and regulation of legal status (at the level of the country’s constitution, law or by-law); b) places in the structure of state power (parliamentary and executive); c) models that are structurally part of the armed forces; are not part of the armed forces, but are authorized to deal exclusively with military issues and ombudsmen of general competence, in which the function of protecting the rights of military personnel is provided for by law; d) individual ombudsmen and collegial ombudsman services; e) various models of ombudsmen in the affairs of the armed forces, depending on the scope and specificity of their powers. It was concluded that for Ukraine in the conditions of war, the introduction of the institute of the military ombudsman is not just timely, it is extremely necessary. The emergence of this institution, on the one hand, will complement the existing means of protecting the constitutional rights and freedoms of the military, on the other hand, it will contribute to the maintenance of their faith in justice, which will generally neutralize the wary attitude of military personnel towards the authorities, and mitigate conflicts between the state, its bodies, and the military. The military ombudsman, exercising his supervisory and human rights powers, will not only contribute to the effective protection of the rights of the military, but also mitigate the contradictions between the state and civil spheres, promote the democratization of the national military sphere, which under his influence should become more responsive to needs and requests of military personnel, which will ultimately guarantee the “democratization” of the military bureaucracy, which, thanks to his activities, will show more attention, sympathy and concern for military personnel.

PRISTINA: GLOBAL EXPERTS DISCUSS THE IMPACT OF RUSSIAN AGGRESSION ON THE STABILITY OF EUROPE AND THE BALKANS

The report titled “Global Experts Discuss the Impact of Russian Aggression on the Stability of Europe and the Balkans” provides a comprehensive overview of discussions held during an international conference organized by the Institute for Hybrid Warfare Studies “OCTOPUS” in Pristina. The conference gathered prominent experts, diplomats, and scholars to address the wide-ranging geopolitical impacts of Russia's war in Ukraine on both Europe and the Balkans. Key speakers highlighted the evolving threats posed by Russian aggression. Glauk Konjufca underscored the dangerous parallels between Russia’s “Russian world” doctrine and Serbia’s expansionist “Serbian world” ambitions in the Balkans. Dr. Jennifer Cassidy warned of the risk of Serbian military intervention in Kosovo, echoing Russia's tactics in Ukraine. Jason Jay Smart detailed Russia’s global destabilization strategy, including its use of proxy wars and criminal alliances to divert attention from Ukraine. Discussions on hybrid warfare featured Dr. Pekka Kallioniemi, who analyzed Russia’s use of disinformation campaigns and social media manipulation to influence global public opinion and destabilize democracies. Ihor Todorov and Pandeli Majko focused on the rise of nationalism and regional instability, stressing the need for unified European and NATO responses to these growing threats. The report captures the key points of the event, emphasizing the importance of countering Russian influence and strengthening democratic institutions in Europe and the Balkans to preserve stability and security in the face of ongoing aggression.

THE POTENTIAL OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN IMPROVING THE PROCESS OF TRAINING AND RETRAINING OF MILITARY DOCTORS

The issue of improving the process of training and retraining of military doctors is determined by changes in the security environment of the state today, and the need to develop the military medical sector in the conditions of long-term resistance to russian aggression. This article highlights the potential of using digital technologies to improve the process of training and retraining of military doctors. The results of a survey of trainees at the Ukrainian Military Medical Academy (a higher military medical educational institution that provides training, retraining and advanced training of specialists in almost all specialties for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military establishment of Ukraine) are presented. It is shown that for the implementation of changes in the system of training and retraining of military doctors the Academy provides for a number of measures: introducing innovative changes in the content and methodology of education; introduction of flexible technology for planning and organizing the educational process, focused on personalization of learning; development of international scientific and scientific-medical collaborations. Based on the conducted research, it was determined that in the conditions of active hostilities in Ukraine, it is digital technologies that make it possible to quickly introduce changes in the process of training and retraining of military doctors by improving the educational and informational environment. It was established that improving the readiness of military doctors to use digital technologies in their professional activities requires their end-to-end use in the entire training system. The article provides examples of the use of digital technologies in the process of training and retraining of military doctors.

Organizational and legal principles of forensic examination in the field of road infrastructure

The aim of the work is to analyze the offenses committed in the field of road infrastructure and to identify the main areas of criminal activity, for which investigation specific expertise in the form of forensic examination is applied. The methodological basis of the study of this problem was general, separate and special cognition methods. The results of performed research demonstrate possibility of distinguishing two main areas of criminal activity in the field of road infrastructure. These are official crimes related to the field of official and professional activity, as well as war crimes related to unforeseen destruction of road infrastructure. Thus, one of socially dangerous manifestations in this area are crimes related to road construction. While investigating issues of compliance of the developed project-technical and estimate documentation with the requirements of regulatory acts in the field of road construction, as well as questions of determining compliance of the completed construction works and built objects with the project-technical documentation, often arise. Such issues can be resolved if forensic expert (experts) have relevant professional knowledge in the design, construction and operation of roads, taking into account the characteristics of road infrastructure objects. At the current stage, when all Ukrainians feel consequences of Russian aggression, another problem is clearly visible. After all, for all the crimes of this shameful war, the enemy must suffer a just punishment, and the victims must receive compensation for the material and moral damage caused to them. In connection with the emergence of new tasks that arise during the investigation of war crimes committed by the aggressor country, the question of the appropriate level of expert provision of justice in conditions of war that is directly related both to increasing effectiveness of the inspection of the scene of the event and to further conducting forensic examinations. Taking into account the fact that a huge number of objects were damaged and destroyed, there was a need to use the latest methods and approaches to effectively counteract the specified manifestations of crime, in particular, development of effective system of expert justice provision at the stages of pre-trial investigation and subsequent judicial review of cases. Thereby it is important to provide expert investigation of crimes related to the establishment of damages to the state, individuals and legal entities from the destruction of immovable and movable property.

Political and legal analysis of the mechanisms of providing Ukraine with resources of strategic importance in the context of increasing the national defence potential

This study addresses the critical issue of enhancing Ukraine’s defence capabilities through the efficient management of strategic resources amidst ongoing Russian aggression. The research aims to develop substantiated recommendations for optimizing the legal and political mechanisms that govern the provision of strategic resources to Ukraine. The study employs a formal legal method to analyze key national and international legal frameworks, including the Law of Ukraine “On the National Material Reserve” and the Code of Ukraine “On Subsoil,” focusing on their efficacy in wartime conditions. Also, political analysis, comparative analysis, legislative review and document analysis were used. The research highlights the gaps in existing legislation, particularly in adapting to the needs of martial law and the complexities of interagency coordination. The findings reveal that while Ukraine has established an extensive legal framework for managing strategic resources, significant issues persist in areas such as transparency, interagency cooperation, and bureaucratization. The study advocates for legislative amendments to better suit wartime needs, the implementation of a unified monitoring system, and enhanced international cooperation, particularly with bodies like the UN and World Bank. The conclusions emphasize the importance of Ukraine’s participation in international transparency initiatives and the need to align national legislation with EU standards. Overall, the thesis of this work is the development of substantiated recommendations for optimizing Ukraine’s strategic resource management in the context of war, while the research niche focuses on the analysis of political and legal mechanisms that influence the state’s defence capabilities.

Peculiarities of Organising Events under Martial Law Conditions

The aim of the article is to analyse the social purpose and to ground peculiarities of organising events under martial law conditions. Results. To achieve the goal of the scientific research, the comparative and systematic methods are used. They allowed to identify and substantiate the specifics of organising events in Ukraine after the Russian full-scale invasion, as well as to outline main directions of functioning and prospects for the development of events in the post-war time. The events are viewed as a symbolic capital of culture, its social marker, a universal means of realising the culture creating potential of the public, which stimulates the study of organisational features of events under martial law conditions. The article traces the relationship between social tendencies and event formats during the Russian aggression; specifies the problems that accompany the process of organising events since the beginning of the full-scale invasion; grounds their content and thematic direction; outlines the directions of functioning of events in the post-war time. Scientific novelty. It is proved that events held in Ukraine during the martial law go through a few stages of functioning: the stage of stagnation and re-profiling, which is inherent to event agencies in the first months of the war; the stage of a peculiar revival, which begins in the summer of 2022 and lasts until the end of 2023; the stage of adaptation and recovery, which begins in early 2024 and continues to nowadays. These periods differ in terms of event formats, target audience, and functional focus. Conclusions. It is proved that the specifics of event organisation under martial law conditions are relevant goals and objectives of a certain event; theming and structure of the event, innovative approaches to the format of the event and the way of its implementation. Such a vision is substantiated that in the post-war years the Ukrainian event industry will be characterised by a symbiosis of international, Ukrainian and local tendencies in the development of the event industry with an emphasis on the cultural ecosystem and public activity

Historical development of political structures in the context of the modern russian-ukrainian war: key vectors

Introduction: The study aims to analyze the evolution of political institutions in Ukraine. Hence, the main objective is to analyze the evolution of political institutions in Ukraine within the framework of the modern Russian-Ukrainian war, with an emphasis on the main vectors of change and their impact on the country's political system. Methods: The research employed content analysis, thematic analysis, and coding to systematically examine relevant scientific literature and other sources on the topic. These methods were applied to identify and categorize Ukraine's political structures' main themes and transformations.Results: The results determined that the most significant changes in the system of development of political structures took place after the Revolution of Dignity and the beginning of the Russian invasion of Crimea in 2014, which necessitated systemic changes in the political organization of Ukraine. It was also established that Russian aggression influenced active transformations in the political structures of Ukraine, in particular, the modernization of the state apparatus, the growing role of civil society, active international support, decentralization of power, and strengthening of national identity. Conclusions: The conclusions also emphasize that there are challenges related to the crisis of confidence in parliamentarism and the party system. However, the study recognized that the transformations that took place as a result of Russian aggression created new opportunities for the development of the state body and political structures of Ukraine

Diplomatic Ukraine in the international arena: miscalculations and gains in wartime conditions

Abstract. The peculiarities of the formation of a comprehensive program of international military and economic support of international partners, which will effectively strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities and ensure the possibility of effective resistance to Russian aggression, are substantiated. Special attention is paid to strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities by supplying modern military equipment, organizing joint military exercises and improving the qualifications of Ukrainian servicemen. A comprehensive post-war recovery plan has been developed, which will include international financial, technical and expert assistance to rebuild the damaged infrastructure and restore the country's economic potential, ensuring stability, economic growth and raising the standard of living of Ukrainians. In addition, the plan envisages the reform of state institutions, the introduction of modern technologies, the improvement of the health care system, as well as the development of small and medium-sized businesses. These measures are aimed at creating a solid foundation for long-term recovery, economic growth, and ensuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.A number of scientific methods were used during the research: methods of analysis and synthesis, systematic, comparative, historical, method of expert evaluations, as well as a logical method for formulating conclusions.

THE EUROPEAN MIRROR OF HYBRID WAR: HOW RUSSIA TRIES TO DESTABILIZE THE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

The unprovoked Russian aggression against Ukraine, which is the biggest war after the World War II, has caused a number of problems in Europe and in the whole democratic world, which is concerning regarding the functioning of the international institutions, the security of the countries that are part of international organizations, but aren't members of the EU and NATO, the protection of human rights mechanisms and the lack of mechanisms for the prevention of war and conflicts. It is clear that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is no accident. The Russian elites, led by President Vladimir Putin, have been preparing for this move for years. Not only have they acted openly, but they have also been waging a hybrid war. Moreover, the war in Ukraine has been going on since 2014, when Russia supported the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics for succession. And before that, Moscow unilaterally annexed Crimea. The European response to Russian aggression has been diplomatic expressions of concern and threats, and some sanctions, which Russia has successfully evaded. It seemed that Europe had consistently adapted to the new geopolitical environment. But only after 24th of February 2022, all civilization's words stand by Ukraine and the Ukrainians. The Western allies of Ukraine give money and weapons, humanitarian aid, training of military and deminers and take in Ukrainian refugees. The war in Ukraine is in its third year. This analysis elaborates the Russian influence on different levels and the European reactions to their attacks and provocations.

THE POLITICS OF FIDESZ-KDNP OF HUNGARY UNDER V. ORBÁN IN WESTERN MEDIA, 2010-2024

This article offers a comprehensive analysis of Western media coverage of the Hungarian government's political course under Viktor Orban and the FIDESZ-KDNP coalition from 2010 to 2024. The study encompasses a wide range of aspects of Hungary's domestic and foreign policy, tracing the evolution of "Orbanism" perception in international media discourse. The author examines in detail the key themes that dominated Western media regarding Hungary, namely: The transformation of the country's democratic system and discussions around the concept of "illiberal democracy". Systematic conflicts between Hungary and the European Union, especially on issues of rule of law and democratic values. Hungary's strict migration policy and its impact on European policy in this area. Economic reforms known as "Orbanomics" and their controversial perception in the international arena. Changes in Hungary's media landscape and discussions about press freedom. Hungary's foreign policy course, including its relations with Russia, China, the USA, and neighboring countries. Special attention is paid to the impact of the Hungarian governance model on regional politics in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as its perception by right-wing and conservative movements in Europe and the USA. The article also examines the dynamics of Hungary's relations with the EU and NATO, particularly in the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine and Hungary's position on this conflict. The research is based on a wide range of Western media sources, including leading newspapers, magazines, television channels, and online publications. The author traces changes in the tone and focus of coverage of Hungarian politics during the specified period, identifying key trends and turning points in the international perception of Hungary. The article also examines Western media's reaction to Hungary's presidency of the Council of the European Union. The author summarizes the main trends in Western media coverage of Hungarian politics and assesses their impact on Hungary's international reputation and its relations with key partners.

THE EU RESPONSE TO THE MASSIVE INFLUX OF DISPLACED PERSONS FROM UKRAINE IN 2022

Russia has been conducting military action against Ukraine since 24 February 2022, in violation of the prohibition on the threat or use of violence against the territorial integrity or independence of any state, which is one of the fundamental principles of modern international law. The Russian aggression has resulted in a sharp increase in migratory pressure on the EU. As a result, the Union launched a special temporary protection procedure for the first time in its history. As temporary protection is one of the instruments of the Common European Asylum System, this article begins with an analysis of its nature within EU asylum policy. The article’s next research question and objective relate directly to the EU’s response to the Russian act of aggression. They are relevant for clarifying the political context of the activation of temporary protection and, simultaneously, establishing the circumstances necessary for the activation of temporary protection in the light of Council Directive 2001/55/EC. This Directive and Council Implementing Decision 2022/382 determine the normative construction of the temporary protection 2022. These elements are its duration, the categories of beneficiaries, and the beneficiaries’ entitlements, which result in obligations for Member States. The analysis of these issues will determine to what extent temporary protection is a viable and effective measure of international protection for displaced persons from Ukraine.

Leveraging Crises: How the Russian Aggression in Ukraine Benefited the Populist Government in Hungary’s 2022 Election Campaigns

This article contributes to the literature focusing on the relationship between crises and populism. It argues that the timing, the crisis type, and the contextual factor of whether populists are in power, matter for changes in the discursive strategies of populists and their ability to turn crises into opportunity structures. Guided by the constructivist literature on external shocks and a thematic content analysis of 561 online media news reports on the 2022 Hungarian national elections before and after the outbreak of the Russian aggression in Ukraine (RAiU), the article shows that this crisis helped to refresh the people-centrist elements of Fidesz’s populist discourse while slightly downgrading its anti-elitist aspects. The absence of any material impact of the RAiU on Hungarian society at the time of the elections, combined with the dominance of Fidesz’s ‘pro-peace vs. pro-war’ discourse, transformed the RAiU into an opportunity structure for Fidesz during the elections.

THEORETICAL BASIS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

The article reveals the impact of European directives and policies on the development of the circular economy in Ukraine. In particular, the "Circular Economy Action Plan" and the EU Waste Directive, which serve as guidelines for adapting Ukrainian policy to European standards, are considered. The role of the EU in supporting Ukraine on the way to the implementation of circular practices is considered. Possibilities of cooperation with European partners to ensure sustainable development were explored. It is argued that the development of the circular economy contributes to reducing the level of waste and increasing the efficiency of resource use. The connection between European directives and national policy in the field of sustainable development is established. Based on the set goal, the key directions and mechanisms for adapting the principles of the circular economy in Ukraine are considered. The paper examines the impact of Russian aggression against Ukraine and establishes that each community needs the formation of a new management system, which should be aimed at their reconstruction and integration into the European Community on the basis of sustainable development, restoration of critical infrastructure, and energy security. Therefore, the expediency of developing the project of the Strategy for the Green Reconstruction of Territories on the basis of subsidiarity and taking into account the European Green Course is substantiated. The specified strategy must meet the Sustainable Development Goals of Ukraine until 2030 and be based on the planning system: state strategy - regional strategy - community strategies. Examples of successful implementation of circular practices in various countries and enterprises are highlighted. The article calls on the Government of Ukraine to actively implement circular principles in the country's economy in order to achieve greater sustainability, resource conservation and promote environmental responsibility in this important industry. Attention is focused on the fact that when forming a new model of the circular economy, it is necessary to take into account and connect the development of ecological innovations and, accordingly, the ecological economy.