THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL GUARD OF UKRAINE IN THE LAW ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive study of the role and place of the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU) within the national law enforcement system, taking into account its legal nature, functional characteristics, and the specifics of institutional interaction with other entities in the security and defense sector. Particular attention is given to the analysis of the current legal and regulatory framework governing the NGU’s activities, its compliance with international standards, as well as the challenges of legal demarcation of powers between the National Guard, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Police, and other security agencies.The article highlights theoretical approaches developed by Ukrainian scholars regarding the law enforcement status of the National Guard and examines practical aspects of its involvement in maintaining public order during states of emergency and martial law. It is demonstrated that the National Guard of Ukraine is not only a structural unit within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but also an independent entity that combines features of both military and law enforcement institutions.The dynamic role of the NGU in ensuring public security, protecting strategic facilities, participating in counterterrorism and stabilization operations, and responding to other critical situations is explored. It is established that in light of current security challenges, the functional burden on the National Guard is continuously increasing, necessitating the modernization of the legal framework, the clear delineation of its powers, and improved interagency coordination. The article concludes by substantiating the need for further legislative modernization of the NGU’s legal status as a key actor in national security and law enforcement in the context of an ongoing war.