A CONCEPTUAL APPROACH TO CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIATION AND NUCLEAR SECURITY OF UKRAINE UNDER CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES AND THREATS

Abstract

An analysis of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats has been conducted, taking into account the current state of development of the relevant domain in the Russian Federation as an aggressor against Ukraine. Specific facts of the use of weapons of mass destruction (or mass casualty weapons) are presented, and possible scenarios for the development of events on the territory of Ukraine and neighboring states are outlined. It has been demonstrated that such scenarios would have not only environmental and sanitary consequences, but also socio-economic and security implications, including population evacuation, international concern, and reputational losses for the state.

The presentation of a sufficiently comprehensive range of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats associated with the use of, or incidents involving, nuclear, chemical, biological, and radiological agents indicates that Ukraine is located in a zone of increased risk of CBRN damage as a result of both the direct use of weapons of mass destruction and indirect forms of their application, such as sabotage, terrorist acts, hostilities in hazardous areas, damage to critical infrastructure, or disruption of storage and disposal facilities.

The purpose of the article is to analyze the current state of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats and to substantiate the necessity of developing a conceptual approach to CBRN safety for the territory and population of Ukraine as an issue of national importance. It has been established that conducting an analysis of CBRN threats originating from the Russian Federation is a mandatory prerequisite for the formation of national security and defense policy in the context of hybrid warfare, which already incorporates elements of non-conventional influence. Such analysis is not merely a response to a challenge, but a strategic requirement of the time.

In this regard, an important task is the analysis of the existing legislative and regulatory framework of Ukraine governing the CBRN safety domain, including national threat response mechanisms, interagency coordination, safety of high-risk facilities, and standards for the storage and transportation of hazardous substances. Based on the security aspects considered, an urgent need has been substantiated for the formation of a conceptual approach as the foundation of a strategy for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear protection of the territory and population of Ukraine, which constitutes a matter of national significance.

A direction for further research should be the assessment of the adequacy of Ukraine’s regulatory framework and its compliance with current challenges and threats in the field of CBRN safety, as well as the development of a systematic approach to risk management based on scientific research findings and the identification of legal gaps that require immediate elimination under wartime conditions.