THEORETICAL AND LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF COUNTERING INFORMATION TERRORISM IN THE CONTEXT OF MILITARY AGGRESSION BY RUSSIA AGAINST UKRAINE

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the theoretical and legal analysis of information terrorism as a key tool of hybrid warfare in the context of the full-scale military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. The author considers information terrorism as a systemic threat, realized through disinformation campaigns, cyber attacks, manipulative technologies aimed at undermining national security, creating panic, distrust in government authorities, and destabilizing society during a state of war. It is determined that current Ukrainian legislation, despite having general provisions on combating terrorism and ensuring information security, does not contain a clear definition of the concept of ‘information terrorism,’ which complicates effective counteraction against this phenomenon. Within the framework of the study, a conceptual model for the legal definition of information terrorism is proposed, and a comparative legal analysis of related concepts – information warfare, cyberterrorism, and propaganda – is carried out.

An analysis has been conducted of the existing legal framework in the field of information security, cyber defense, and counter-terrorism, in particular the Constitution of Ukraine, the Law of Ukraine «On National Security», analytical documents of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, and the Information Security Strategy.The authors argue for the necessity of a comprehensive approach to countering information terrorism, which must include legislative regulation, institutional strengthening, the development of public-private partnerships, international cooperation, and the enhancement of media literacy among the population. The conclusions emphasize that improving the theoretical and legal foundations for countering information terrorism is an important condition for protecting Ukraine’s information space, ensuring information security, and strengthening national security in the context of hybrid warfare.Keywords: information security, information terrorism, hybrid warfare, disinformation, cyber defense, national security, martial law.