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Security Services in Ukraine
Operating in Ukraine? Speak with a security consultant.
Ukraine has been in active war with Russia since February 24, 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion. The conflict is the largest conventional war in Europe since 1945. As of April 2026, the front line runs through eastern and southern Ukraine, but Russian missile and drone attacks affect Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odessa, and other cities throughout the country.
FCDO advises against all travel to Ukraine. This is not a routine Level 3 or Level 4 advisory but reflects an active warzone designation. The advisory is binary for FCDO: all travel, not just border regions.
Who operates in Ukraine
Despite the advisory, Ukraine has a functioning government, an active humanitarian operation, and significant journalistic presence. Reconstruction contractors, humanitarian workers, diplomatic staff, and journalists all operate in Ukraine under various frameworks. These operations require specialist knowledge and ongoing commitment to safety protocols that go beyond conventional security management.
Security for reconstruction operations
International reconstruction and donor programmes for Ukraine have security requirements that are significant and growing. As areas are liberated from Russian occupation, assessment and reconstruction operations require security planning that addresses both residual landmine/unexploded ordnance risk and conventional personal security concerns.
Warzone EP competencies
Operating effectively in Ukraine requires competencies that differ from peacetime EP. Understanding of air defence systems, ability to identify incoming threats, shelter procedures, first aid trauma management (tourniquet application, wound packing), and communication under electronic warfare conditions are all required skills. Not all security professionals have these. Operators must be vetted specifically for warzone operational competence, not general EP credentials.
Cities We Cover
Kyiv
Critical riskUkrainian capital under ongoing Russian missile and drone threat. Essential-travel-only destination. Active conflict. FCDO advises against all travel. Security requires specialist warzone competencies.
View city guide →Security Regulations
Firearms
In wartime conditions, firearms regulations in Ukraine have been relaxed substantially. Civilian ownership is more permissive than pre-2022. Security companies and armed civilians operate extensively. All armed private security operates within Ukrainian law and coordination with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
Licensing
Pre-war private security licensing frameworks remain nominally in place but wartime conditions have significantly altered operational realities. Many security professionals are serving in territorial defence or Armed Forces of Ukraine. The private security market operates differently from peacetime.
Foreign Operators
Foreign security professionals operating in Ukraine do so under highly complex legal and practical conditions. Coordination with Ukrainian authorities is essential. Many individuals and companies operating in Ukraine do so under humanitarian exemptions or specific governmental agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
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