Law. Human. Environment

Reforming the urban planning regulation system under martial law and post-war reconstruction

Anton Butsenko , Olena Hulak, Lyudmyla Holoviy, Artem Shcherbak
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Abstract

In the context of widespread destruction caused by armed aggression against Ukraine, the issue of effective legal regulation of urban development as the basis for territorial restoration and sustainable development of the state is becoming particularly relevant. Armed aggression against Ukraine has led to large-scale destruction, requiring prompt and legally sound decisions in the field of spatial development, infrastructure restoration and housing stock. The study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the regulatory and legal mechanisms for regulating urban development activities in crisis conditions and to identify key challenges for the administrative management of reconstruction processes. The study used formal-logical, systemic-structural, comparative-legal and prognostic methods. The results show that urban development activities during martial law and post-war reconstruction are taking on new meaning, requiring flexible, transparent and controlled mechanisms of administrative and legal influence. The significance of balancing the speed of implementation of reconstruction projects with compliance with environmental, legal and social standards is emphasised. The integration of strategic environmental assessment into planning processes was emphasised, which should ensure not only compliance with legislation, but also the anticipation of long-term risks to the environment and the population. In the context of growing urbanisation and anthropogenic pressure, it is necessary to introduce mechanisms for public participation and the digitisation of urban planning documentation. The experience of post-war reconstruction in countries such as Iraq, Israel and Lebanon shows that effective recovery requires a combination of strategic vision, institutional capacity, transparency of decisions, community participation and consideration of cultural identity. The research materials can be used to improve urban planning legislation, develop national post-war reconstruction policy, and formulate a strategy for sustainable spatial development in Ukraine

Keywords

infrastructure restoration; legal regime for reconstruction; urban development policy; spatial planning, international experience; environmental impact

Suggested citation
Butsenko , A., Hulak, O., Holoviy, L., & Shcherbak, A. (2026). Reforming the urban planning regulation system under martial law and post-war reconstruction. Law. Human. Environment, 17(2), 7-27. https://doi.org/10.31548/law/2.2026.07
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