Scientific justification of the transformation of the functions of the National Guard of Ukraine during the post-war recovery period

Abstract

A scientific justification for the transformation of the functions of the National Guard of Ukraine during the post-war state recovery period is provided, taking into account contemporary security challenges, the consequences of the russian federation's full-scale armed aggression, and the prospects for the development of Ukraine's security and defence sector. It is established that the prolonged performance of combat tasks by the National Guard of Ukraine under conditions of martial law has led to significant changes in its functional purpose, which require scholarly reconsideration in the context of the transition from war to peace.
Using historical-comparative, systemic, structural-functional, and prognostic methods, the evolution of the functions of the National Guard of Ukraine is analysed, the main scenarios for the development of the NGU after the cessation of active hostilities are identified, and the key factors that will influence the transformation of the NGU's functions in the post-war period are determined. International experience of the activities of guard and gendarmerie-type formations in post-conflict states is synthesised. The study proves that post-war recovery does not require a reduction in the role of the National Guard of Ukraine, but rather its adaptation to new security conditions associated with the maintenance of public order, the stabilisation of societal processes, the response to internal threats, and the enforcement of law and order in de-occupied territories.
The expediency of implementing a balanced model for the transformation of the functions of the National Guard of Ukraine is substantiated. This model combines the preservation of combat capability with the development of stabilisation, law-enforcement, and humanitarian functions. It is emphasised that such a model is consistent with European and Euro-Atlantic approaches to the functioning of gendarmerie-type forces and will contribute to strengthening the institutional resilience of the state security system in the post-conflict period. It is concluded that a scientifically grounded transformation of the functions of the National Guard of Ukraine constitutes an important prerequisite for ensuring internal stability, public security, and the sustainable development of the state during the post-war recovery period.