The article presents a comprehensive political science analysis of the transformation of local governance in Ukraine under martial law through the prism of the institutional resilience of territorial communities. The impact of Russia’s full-scale aggression on the functioning of local self-government bodies is examined, and it is substantiated that the war has become not only a security challenge but also a catalyst for profound institutional changes in the system of local governance.
The study analyzes the specific features of the transformation of local governance under martial law and demonstrates that, alongside their traditional functions related to the socio-economic development of territories, territorial communities have assumed a number of new responsibilities, including civil protection, humanitarian response, maintenance of critical infrastructure, coordination of assistance to internally displaced persons, and cooperation with military structures. It is established that these processes have led to the emergence of a new model of local governance that combines decentralization mechanisms with elements of security-oriented and crisis management.
The main challenges to the institutional capacity of territorial communities under martial law are systematized. These challenges include security threats, demographic changes, financial and budgetary constraints, personnel shortages, increased pressure on social infrastructure, and the need to operate under conditions of prolonged uncertainty. It is demonstrated that the effectiveness of communities increasingly depends on their ability to adapt to crisis conditions, ensure the continuity of governance processes, and maintain a high level of social cohesion.
Particular attention is paid to the study of institutional resilience as a key mechanism for the adaptation of territorial communities to wartime challenges. It is established that institutional resilience is manifested through the ability of communities to rapidly transform governance practices, mobilize internal and external resources, develop inter-institutional cooperation, maintain effective communication with residents, and ensure the functioning of the basic institutions of local self-government under conditions of military threats.
The article substantiates that Ukrainian territorial communities have evolved into an important component of the state’s societal resilience system, while their activities extend beyond the traditional functions of local self-government and encompass a wide range of security, humanitarian, and coordination tasks. It is concluded that the institutional resilience of communities constitutes one of the key prerequisites for preserving the effectiveness of public governance, ensuring democratic stability, and creating the foundations for Ukraine’s post-war recovery.

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