Transformation of asylum policy in the European Union in the context of security challenges of the russia-ukraine war: legal and institutional analysis

The article is devoted to a comprehensive scientific and legal analysis of the transformation processes in the European Union’s asylum policy caused by the unprecedented mass displacement of persons as a result of the full-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine in 2022. The author examines the dynamic evolution of migration flows, the peculiarities of the temporary protection mechanism and its correlation with standard procedures for granting international protection. Based on a systematic analysis, the author reveals and defines the concepts of «temporary protection» and «asylum». In addition, the author characterizes the legal mechanisms for protecting the rights of asylum seekers in the European Union. Based on a systematic analysis of the EU legal framework, in particular, Directive 2001/55/EC, the Dublin Regulation (Regulation (EU) No. 604/2013) and the Eurodac Regulation (Regulation (EU) No. 603/2013), as well as the latest legislative initiatives (the New Migration and Asylum Pact), the author reveals structural shortcomings and identifies systemic challenges in the implementation of the relevant mechanisms for protecting the rights of displaced persons. The article highlights the practical challenges facing the common asylum policy in the European Union in the context of mass displacement, with special attention paid to gender-sensitive aspects and protection of vulnerable categories of Ukrainian refugees. The institutional architecture for coordinating the EU’s response to the crisis is analyzed, including the role of key institutions (European Commission, EU Asylum Agency (EUAA), Frontex) and financial instruments (CARE, REACT-EU, AMIF). Particular attention is paid to the practical challenges of integration of Ukrainian refugees, including access to the labor market, housing, access to education, medical care, as well as the specific needs of vulnerable categories of persons (women, children, persons with disabilities, the elderly). Based on the study, the author formulated scientifically based recommendations for improving the regulatory and institutional mechanisms of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) and developing long-term integration strategies based on the empirical experience of the Ukrainian crisis.