Service and combat activities of state border protection agencies: challenges of modernity

Abstract

The article examines the pressing challenges faced by the service and combat activities of state border protection agencies in Ukraine under contemporary conditions. The focus is on the increasing international threats such as military aggression, hybrid attacks, illegal migration, transnational crime, and cyber threats. These factors are identified as necessitating improved approaches to organizing service and combat activities, modernizing technical resources, and enhancing the personnel capacity of state border protection agencies.

The article highlights the specifics of the service and combat activities of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine as a law enforcement agency that combines military and law enforcement components. It emphasizes that the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation in 2022 underscored the need to revise the tasks of border guards, introduce innovative technologies, and establish specialized combat units. Legislative gaps concerning the definition of «service and combat activities» are analyzed, with the article advocating for amendments to the Law of Ukraine «On the State Border Guard Service» transitioning from operational-service activities to service-combat activities.

The authors identify key directions for improving the effectiveness of service and combat activities, including the enhancement of the regulatory framework, the adoption of modern technologies, strengthening international cooperation, and improving personnel training. The article concludes that the service and combat activities of the State Border Guard Service must adapt to the dynamic changes in the security environment by integrating advanced practices and implementing a comprehensive approach. This will ensure reliable border protection, strengthen national security, and address contemporary challenges.