For Science Day in Ukraine, a round table ‘Science and Law in Ukraine: Challenges in the Conditions of Martial Law’ was held at KUL NASU

On May 15, 2025, a round table on the topic was held at the Kyiv University of Law of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine “Science and Law in Ukraine: Challenges in Conditions of Martial Law”, which brought together about 100 leading lawyers, scholars, representatives of the judicial and executive branches of power, the prosecutor’s office, public organizations, and young researchers. The event took place in a mixed format (online, offline) in the form of a deep professional discussion, which demonstrated not only the high level of participants’ knowledge but also their desire for change and legal renewal in the context of the ongoing war.

The round table began with a moment of silence in honor of the deceased. The rector of KUL NASU, Professor, addressed the attendees with a welcoming speech. Yuriy BOSHYTSKYI, who emphasized that the modern legal system of Ukraine is undergoing a severe test because of the war — both in terms of regulatory content and in terms of ethical and humanitarian challenges. He focused attention on the importance of preserving and developing scientific thought as a component of resistance to aggression and the restoration of justice.

The President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine addressed the participants of the round table with a welcoming speech Anatoliy ZAHORODNIY.

Vice-Rector for Scientific Work Ivan KAILO gave a report on the topic ‘Science and Law: In Search of Justice in the 21st Century,’ emphasizing that it is precisely the symbiosis of science and law that can form an answer to the fundamental challenges of our time.

The report of the academic was substantive Yuriy Baulin, who noted that the realities of today require an immediate response to changes: legislative activity must be updated, in particular through the recodification of national legislation.

Talked about the daily challenges in judicial practice Oleksandr SERYOHIN, Acting Head of the Secretariat of the High Council of Justice. He focused on important aspects of judicial integrity, compliance with the Code of Judicial Ethics, and also drew attention to the problems of justice in the occupied territories and the overload of the judicial system in war conditions. His speech sparked an active discussion among the participants.

Serhiy SHMALENYA, the deputy head of one of the departments of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, outlined the challenges related to ensuring the constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens in the process of rebuilding the country, the need to attract foreign investment, as well as the legal protection of veterans. He emphasized the importance of recording and investigating crimes against peace and humanity.

The report of the Vice-Rector of the National Academy of the SBU aroused considerable interest Bohdana TYVODARA, who acquainted the attendees with the activities of the Center for Strategic Communication and the professional development courses for specialists in the field of national security.

Prosecutor of the Office of the Prosecutor General Attila KOVCH highlighted the problem of excessive workload on pre-trial investigation bodies, which significantly complicates the effective administration of justice.

Professor Ruslan CHORNOLUTSKYI paid attention to the lack of fair dialogue between scientific, state, and law-making institutions, emphasizing the need to establish communication to strengthen the legitimacy of legal changes.

Outlined the social dimension of legal aid Serhiy CHMUT, the head of the charitable foundation ‘The Country of Our Dreams,’ who spoke about the current legal problems faced by volunteer organizations.

It was a great pleasure to have the active participation of KUL NASU postgraduate students in the event, so a separate section of the round table was devoted to the presentations of the postgraduate students. Roman SERHIENKO raised the issue of the graduate student community’s protest against the new Ministry of Education and Science requirements for a mandatory exam after the second year of graduate studies. He argued convincingly for the unconstitutionality of such changes. His position was also supported by other young researchers.

Postgraduates Andriy KHOLODENKO, Roman ZAKHARCHUK, Vladyslav VYSHNEVSKYI, Vyacheslav LYSENKO, Serhiy BULHAKOV, Serhiy HOROVENKO gave scientific presentations as part of their research.

Students of KUL NASU also joined the discussions and asked interesting questions to the guests and scientists.

The round table took place in the spirit of open discussion, where even sharp topics were not avoided. Its outcome was the adoption Round table resolutions, which contains recommendations for state authorities, research institutions, and public organizations on improving the legal system of Ukraine under martial law.

The Ukrainian legal community continues to demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and the ability for deep reflection on the transformations necessary for victory and the restoration of the state.

Press Center KUL NASU