IMPLEMENTATION OF UKRAINE’S NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION: THE “FORTRESS NATION” CONCEPT

Abstract

The full-scale aggression of the rf against Ukraine has introduced new challenges in the defense not only for military objects but also for civilian objects and for critical national infrastructure objects (CNIOs). 

Most of CNIOs in Ukraine were constructed above ground without any engineering protection systems to counter air threats, explosions, or other impacts associated with warfare. Currently, Ukraine is actively implementing the state “Fortress Country” concept, which envisions integrated protection of CNIOs and other strategically important facilities. This includes the organization of layered air defense systems, similar to those used by Israel, USA, and other countries, combined with comprehensive measures for civil protection, electronic warfare systems, deception measures. A transition from large centralized strategic facilities to smaller dispersed ones, and renewable energy sources are also proposed. These steps have significantly enhanced the country's resilience to external wartime threats.

This article shows the key aspects of implementing the “Fortress Country” concept for the protection of Ukraine’s CNIOs and analyzes the resilience of energy sector infrastructure to air attacks by enemy forces. Additionally, the main threats posed by the increasing quantity and precision of enemy aerial attack weapons are reviewed.