PROBLEMS AND SPHERES OF ACTIVITY OF LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT BODIES IN THE REGIONS OF UKRAINE LIBERATED FROM RUSSIAN OCCUPATION

The article examines the legal, organisational, security, socio-economic, humanitarian, cultural, international and other aspects of the formation and operation of local self-government bodies (LSGs) in the territories of certain regions of Ukraine liberated from Russian occupation, in the period from spring 2022 to summer 2024, that is, from the time of the full-scale invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine until now. Initiatives and areas of activity of territorial communities and city, village and village councils are studied. The conditions for resuming the activities of local government, guaranteeing the safety of the population, countering repeated attacks by Russian interventionists and demining territories, establishing energy and gas supply, providing citizens with housing and all the necessary services of the communal sphere have been studied. Issues of financial and humanitarian assistance, participation of local self-government bodies in seeking support from foreign partners, involvement in various forms and programs of foreign cooperation are considered. Therefore, the main objective of the article is to analyse the functioning, challenges, and roles of local self-government bodies in Ukraine under the conditions of military occupation and liberation. It emphasises the importance of maintaining local governance to ensure effective administration, provision of public services, and recovery in the war-affected regions. In addition, the article addresses legal and institutional frameworks affecting the balance of power between local authorities and state administrations during martial law. The article uses a methodological approach that integrates legal analysis, the study of administrative practices, and case studies focused on Ukrainian regions operating under martial law.