Military training standards in the context of compliance with international humanitarian law

Abstract

In the context of full-scale armed aggression against Ukraine, the issue of compliance with the norms of international humanitarian law (IHL) has acquired particular importance, particularly in the training of military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). Ensuring the lawful use of force in conditions of armed conflict is not only a moral and legal obligation of the state, but also an essential element of the international image and legitimacy of the national armed forces. In this context, the adaptation of military personnel training standards to modern IHL requirements, as well as harmonization with the practices of NATO member states, appear as urgent tasks. The purpose of the article is to study the current state of normative and practical compliance with the norms of international humanitarian law in the system of training of military personnel of the AFU, as well as to conduct a comparative analysis with training models in NATO countries to identify practical approaches and opportunities for adaptation. Methods. The work uses a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach that combines elements of legal analysis, comparative law method, systematic training program analysis, and content analysis of NATO regulations and official documents (in particular STANAG 2449). Empirical data on forms of training and simulation training are also used. Results. The article establishes that training in IHL in the Armed Forces of Ukraine is carried out at different levels - from initial individual training to commander courses and combat coordination. The gradual integration of elements of NATO standards is noted, including simulations, case methods, and participation in joint exercises. At the same time, the problems of fragmentation, insufficient institutional systematization, and limited educational and methodological resources are identified. A comparative analysis with NATO models (USA, Canada, Germany, Netherlands) was conducted, which allowed us to identify effective practices - in particular, an interdisciplinary approach, regular updating of programs, and simulation modeling of situations with compliance with IHL in difficult combat conditions. Conclusions. The results can be practically applied to improve the military education system of the AFUkraine. In particular, it is about the need to develop standard training programs adapted to the national context, considering NATO standards and best practices in international humanitarian law. Also promising are the creation of permanent training centers on IHL, the establishment of stable cooperation with international organizations, and the systematic involvement of legal advisors directly at the level of military units. Such measures lay the foundation for forming a sustainable legal culture in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which is of key importance for compliance with the norms of international humanitarian law in modern armed conflicts.