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 parts of Ukraine and against all but essential travel to other areas, and the US State Department rates Ukraine at Level 4 (Do Not Travel). These are not routine advisories: they reflect an active warzone designation. Check the live FCDO page for the areas each part of the advice covers before any travel decision.
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.
Our vetted operators provide close protection and executive protection and security driver services across Ukraine. For a detailed local assessment, see our Kyiv city briefing.
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 to parts of Ukraine. Security requires specialist warzone competencies.
View city guide →Security Regulations
Firearms
The licence conditions for security activity (Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 960 of 2015) refer to non-lethal devices that fire rubber or similar projectiles. We have not confirmed in the law itself whether private security personnel may carry firearms in Ukraine. Ask any provider, in writing, which weapons its staff hold and under which permit.
Licensing
Security activity in Ukraine needs a licence under the Law of Ukraine No. 4616-VI of 22 March 2012 on Security Activity (Article 7). The licence conditions were approved by Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 960 of 18 November 2015, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs has acted as the licensing authority. Martial law has changed how the sector works, so confirm a provider's current licence before engagement.
Foreign Operators
Article 11 of the Law on Security Activity says security personnel must be Ukrainian citizens aged at least 18, so a foreign officer cannot be employed as security personnel under the Law. International clients engage a licensed Ukrainian company. Take local legal advice before a foreign team carries out protective duties in Ukraine.
Sources, checked : Law of Ukraine No. 4616-VI of 22 March 2012 on Security Activity, text (Article 11); Law of Ukraine on Security Activity, text (Article 7, licensing); Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 960 of 18 November 2015 on licence conditions for security activity, text; DTKT news, Ministry of Internal Affairs as licensing authority for security activity (13 September 2013).