Introduction

As Ukraine continues to face the profound impacts of full-scale war, the internal security landscape has also undergone significant changes. Shifts in population, weakened state institutions, and the strain on law enforcement have created an evolving crime environment that affects both urban and rural communities. This issue of the SAM UKR Newsletter examines key crime trends across the country, the state of drug use and trafficking, and how the public perceives safety, justice, and institutional trust.

Introduction

Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, civilians have borne an immense burden of suffering. Thousands have lost their lives, and many more have been left permanently disabled due to war-related injuries. The devastating consequences extend beyond physical harm, deeply affecting families, communities, and Ukraine’s future generations. 

Introduction

As Ukraine navigates a challenging period of war and economic recovery, public sentiment remains a crucial factor in shaping the nation’s future. This edition of our newsletter examines key topics, including public support for the government, economic conditions, foreign investments, and the business climate. Additionally, we explore how Ukrainians view potential peace negotiations and their expectations for the country’s leadership.

Stay informed as we provide a comprehensive analysis of Ukraine’s evolving landscape.

Overview of Ukraine's mineral wealth and its strategic importance

Ukraine possesses significant reserves of rare earth elements, a group of 17 chemically similar minerals essential for advanced technologies, including defense, electronics, and renewable energy. While these elements are relatively common worldwide, their extraction and refinement require complex processes, a sector currently dominated by China.

USAID Funding Suspension and its Implications for Ukraine

On January 20 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that froze most foreign aid programs for 90 days. Within days, the U.S. Department of State directed the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to suspend all of its projects and grants in Ukraine. Although Ukrainian officials emphasize that military assistance remains unaffected, the funding halt has disrupted critical activities ranging from school rehabilitation and medical services to energy infrastructure repair.