Activities of Non-Governmental Organizations in Ukraine during the Armed Conflic

The full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation in February 2022 initiated an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Europe since World War II. Millions of people were forced to leave their homes, and thousands of localities were destroyed or seriously damaged as a result of military actions.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)—both local and international—have played, and continue to play, a crucial role in responding to the ongoing crisis. In the context of war, NGOs are primarily perceived as entities responsible for evacuating civilians, providing shelter, food, medical care, and psychological support, as well as promoting the respect for and protection of human rights. Their operations take place under exceptional conditions, characterized by armed conflict, mass displacement, legal constraints associated with martial law, and national security requirements. However, this humanitarian dimension represents only one aspect of NGO activity in Ukraine. Their very existence and formal recognition within the legal system must also be understood from a broader perspective—as part of the foundational structure of a democratic state governed by the rule of law. The openness of public institutions to NGO engagement, which serves as a critical mechanism for civil society participation, is an essential component of Ukraine’s integration into the European community of states and a sine qua non condition for accession to the European Union.

The aim of this study is to analyse the legal framework governing the functioning of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) during wartime in Ukraine. It examines the foundations of the national legal order and assesses the impact of the war on the legal status and activities of NGOs. The analysis is supported by data drawn from sociological and statistical publications. Particular attention is given to legal changes introduced in response to the full-scale Russian aggression. The research employs a methodical analysis of legal acts relevant to the subject matter.

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