Population-based assessment of human security indicators to determine progress on the Ukrainian National Action Plan

Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Ukrainian Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan (NAP) has become extremely important in creating conditions for the participation of both women and men in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, recovery, in addressing security challenges and systemic responses to conflict-related violence including sexual violence, in alignment with United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325. NAPs are more effective when they have broad population acceptance. This paper introduces a structured method for evaluating progress towards the NAP via measurement of public opinion and creates baseline measures for that progress.

We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional household quantitative study in 20 of 24 oblasts in Ukraine during a 2-month period from 01 May to 29 June 2025 to assess public opinion related to the progress of Ukraine's NAP across four pillars consistent with UNSCR 1325 to include participation, protection, prevention, and rehabilitation and recovery, which relate to indicators in the Ukrainian NAP.

Of the 4385 households surveyed, respondents from 4228 households completed the study (96%). The majority of the NAP indicators assessed were either met or somewhat met. Only one of the indicators scored low enough to be considered 'not met'. However, there were significant differences in agreement levels between sex and between civilians and former military.

Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine continues to make significant progress towards its NAP goals, which are vital for long-term recovery, reintegration and resilience. Moving forward, shifting mindsets, particularly among males, to support female leadership and peacebuilding roles will be essential to securing lasting peace.