Four years into the war, Ukraine has established a unique approach to civil preparedness, based on clear communication, accessible information, and supporting physical, psychological and informational safety. This strategy prioritises clear instructions, efficient communication and regular updates, all of which help to reduce anxiety, increase trust and ensure community resilience.
Lessons from a national perspective
The following list aims to serve as a civil preparedness and crisis management guide for other countries, regions and municipalities:
1. Use simple messages and clear language. Clear instructions (e.g. “What to do now” and “Where to get help”) are vital. Avoid emotionally charged language. The RCCE framework recommends brief to-do messages, feedback opportunities and constantly updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). This helps reduce anxiety and prevents infodemics (95, 96).
2. Multi-channel delivery of alerts and instructions. The Ukrainian model includes sirens, a national TV marathon, official web channels, secure messaging and the Air Alert mobile app. The app details the threat type and recommended actions without being sensationalist. As a government-supported initiative, it increases trust and outreach (78, 97, 98).
Radio continues to play a vital part during blackouts and internet outages. It allows direct threat alert communication, including what actions to take and where to find available resources. Local and national radio stations increase the range and stability of the warning system and ensure continuity of communication in crisis conditions. Citizens must have basic FM/AM radios powered by batteries, solar panels or a manual generator, as well as a supply of batteries.
3. Accessibility for people with disabilities. Emergency messaging includes sign language interpretation, subtitles, simplified or easy-to-read texts, audio descriptions and “hotline” video communication via an interpreter. These measures were recommended by the alert system accessibility assessment, and are gradually becoming the standard for official video messaging (99).
4. Ensure a psychologically safe environment. This involves providing facts and risk assessments alongside “anxiety buffers”, such as normalising stress responses, simple self-help techniques, contact with Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and access to offline services. These measures alleviate anxiety in young people and families with children, and are supported by both Ukrainian and international guidelines (100–103).
5. Cybersecurity as part of civil preparedness. Among other initiatives, the State Service of Special Communications and the Information Protection of Ukraine/Computer Emergency Response Team of Ukraine (СЕRТ-UA) regularly publish short checklists covering, e.g. passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), phishing awareness, backups and incident-sharing protocols. The checklists emphasise the message “protect yourself and community data” through “take action cards” and short videos (92,93).
6. Counter disinformation. Use a range of examples to illustrate propaganda technology and typical Russian military narratives. All citizens must have the skills and tools to understand the risks posed by anonymous Telegram users and bot networks, check sources and report disinformation via official channels, based on the formula: “How to recognise – What to do – Where to send a fact check” (104,105).
7. Leverage inspirational leaders in communication. This approach involves media messaging by popular inspirational figures, such as doctors, psychologists, clergy, educators, athletes and celebrities, who uphold ethical, patriotic beliefs and are experts in their field. [To layout: suggest making the text about the “trust network” a text box of some kind]. Experience from Ukraine experience shows that using admired figures effectively reinforces the official message and reaches vulnerable groups.
Poet, military paramedic, and senior corporal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Yaryna Chornohuz is a prominent public figure who combines creativity and patriotism. Her university education and frontline experience are an inspirational example for young people. Her contribution is an example of how culture and education can interact in a time of crisis (107).
Father Yaroslav Rokhman is a chaplain at the Perinatal Centre of Ivano-Frankivsk. His messages – “Love instead of aggression”, “After the dark night, a new day” – offer hope and inner peace to many families and strengthen civil resilience (108).
The Primate of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav (Shevchuk), regularly offers the faithful spiritual and moral guidance, highlighting the significance of truth, justice and unity – key values for everyday resilience (109).
Renowned professor and surgeon Borys Todurov has performed frontline surgeries, conducted online consultations and appears regularly in the media. His statement, “We are here and ready to help”, offers reassurance and a sense of genuine support (110).
High-jump world-record-holder Yaroslava Mahuchikh stresses that she is competing for Ukraine, not just for personal glory. She has generously donated her prize winnings to military support and animal protection programmes (111).
Yuliia Paievska, founder of Taira’s Angels, documented the medical efforts in Mariupol, and in doing so became a symbol of courage and compassion. Her inspiring story illustrates how doctors can become the voice of civic responsibility (112).
Art therapist Olena Lutsenko runs support groups for women, children and displaced persons, which adapt art-therapy methods to a war context. She is a well-known figure who helps boost confidence in psychological assistance (113).
Eurovision 2016 winner Jamala has actively supported Ukraine since the invasion began, through charity concerts, social initiatives, fundraising and publicly advocating for its people (114, 115).
Other regions and municipalities can adopt this strategy by leveraging inspiring individuals with authentic ties to the community to build trust and relay critical information.
8. Bilaterality and community engagement. Develop IDP councils and youth initiatives as permanent nodes of communication. Involving IDPs as co-authors of housing, employment and social services solutions increases their engagement and participation. In practice, these forums include IDP council forums in Lviv, the national portal of IDP councils and IDP integration programmes at the regional state administration/city level (116).
In Ukraine, local authorities work closely with UNHCR and international partners to support activities for internally displaced persons by implementing various initiatives at the regional state administration level (RSA) and in cities (Table 2).