Collaborationism as an object of criminological research

Abstract

With the onset of the war initiated by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, collaborationist activity has become a matter of national security for the country. Collaborationist activity, which involves cooperation or assistance to another country or organisation, can have an impact on the national security of a country, including armed or cyber influence, influence on information flows, and citizen safety. The purpose of this study is to identify the dynamics of changes and distinguish collaborationist activity from other types of criminal offences within the context of criminology and criminal law in Ukraine. The research methods used in this study included analysis and synthesis, which were used to identify pertinent issues in society that arise during the process of identifying the criminal activity of collaborators. Methods of historical analysis, specification, and classification are applied. The main methods used in the study were the analysis and synthesis of scientific and theoretical materials and legal norms. Collaborationism in the context of international law is defined. The main acts in the field of international humanitarian law that define the legal status of populations in occupied territories are analysed. Based on key characteristics, various types of criminal activity are identified. The issue of the need to improve criminal law norms, the definition of crime, and the responsibility for collaborationist activity are addressed. The study explored the issue of collaborationism in Ukraine, which emerged as a result of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation. An analysis of the changes made to the Ukrainian Criminal Code regarding the definition of the crime related to collaborationist activity and the responsibility for such actions is conducted. The dynamics of court verdicts over the past year concerning the application of the criminal code provision in real time is summarised. The practical value of this study lies in the fact that identifying current problems and their resolution methods will enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement activities in detecting individuals engaged in collaborationist activity and holding them accountable. This, in turn, will contribute to reducing the level of criminality in this sphere