Law, War, and Gender-Based Violence: Addressing Sexual Misconduct in the Ukrainian Armed Forces Amidst Ongoing Hostilities

Abstract

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine has significantly accelerated the enlistment of women into the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), with over 70,000 serving at the time of writing. Unlike many states that adopt gender mainstreaming and gender balancing policies gradually through phased reforms, Ukraine’s military bypassed this stage under the pressure of urgent security needs. The rapid increase in women’s participation, alongside the overall expansion of the AFU and the influx of personnel without prior military experience, has revealed persistent shortcomings in military culture regarding discrimination and gender-based violence, as well as gaps in policies and legal protections. This article argues that, while the war has brought these issues into sharper focus, it has also generated momentum for institutional reforms to address sexual misconduct within the AFU. Special attention is given to both existing and proposed mechanisms for addressing sexual harassment, including the amendments to the military disciplinary framework, as well as to the potential role of gender advisors and focal points in advancing these efforts. The article concludes with tentative reflections on how evolving gender dynamics within the military may shape broader societal transformations in post-conflict Ukraine.