Legal Framework for Counterintelligence Activities in Ukraine

The legal framework governing counterintelligence activities in Ukraine is one of the key elements in ensuring national security and protecting state interests, particularly in the context of modern challenges, as this article analyzes the current legislation and normative acts regulating the activities of counterintelligence agencies while evaluating their impact on the effectiveness of combating potential threats; a notable aspect is the change in the criminogenic situation, specifically the increase in crimes against the foundations of national security in 2022, which coincided with the onset of a full-scale invasion and significantly affected the investigative process due to difficulties associated with martial law, yet since 2023, positive developments have been observed - with a decrease in the crime rate and an increase in the proportion of indictments indicating an improvement in the operational efficiency of counterintelligence agencies - and the article also emphasizes the importance of continuously refining the legal framework for counterintelligence activities in light of emerging threats, noting that the incorporation of international experience is a crucial step toward enhancing the effectiveness of countering new challenges, while the clear delineation of the powers of all actors involved is of paramount importance for ensuring proper coordination and effectively combating crimes against the foundations of national security.