Security model in the context of challenges related to large-scale military operations

In view of the prolonged military aggression and constant threats to the lives and functioning of communities in Ukraine, and the humanitarian crisis provoked by the attack, the development of community security capacity should be based on an integrated risk-management approach. The methodology’s main idea is to create a response system founded on reducing vulnerabilities, assessing threats, and implementing a continuous cycle of response and capacity strengthening (resilience) so the community can cope with these risks. This approach ensures effective preparedness, timely response and recovery with an emphasis on reinforcing community resilience.

The security-building methodology is based on four main risk-response phases that repeat cyclically.

• Risk analysis:
  • Assessment of threats to the community (e.g., possible shelling, terrorist attacks, escalation of the humanitarian crisis).
  • Identification of internal vulnerabilities (insufficient infrastructure, social tension or lack of knowledge among residents).
  • Identification of gaps in capacity/resilience (conflict intensity, level of trust, social cohesion, expert capacity).
  • Consideration of risk intensity (severity and likelihood of threats).
• Preparedness for response:
  • Activation of plans in response to specific threats (evacuation, securing humanitarian corridors).
  • Operational coordination between authorities, local services and the population.
• Response:
  • Activation of plans in response to specific threats (evacuation, securing humanitarian corridors).
  • Operational coordination between authorities, local services and the population.
• Recovery:
  • Restoration of infrastructure and provision of assistance to those affected.
  • Analysis of previous actions to improve preparedness for future threats.

Accordingly, these four response phases form a single cycle, where completion of the recovery stage requires analyzing risks in the context and situation changed by our actions.

This material was prepared with the support of the European Union and the International Renaissance Foundation as part of the joint initiative “European Revival of Ukraine.” The material represents the authors’ views and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the International Renaissance Foundation.