THE IMPACT OF RUSSIA'S HYBRID AGGRESSION ON STATE POLICY FOR STRENGTHENING THE SPIRITUAL AND MENTAL UNITY OF UKRAINIAN SOCIETY

Abstract

 What particular tactics has Russia employed against Ukraine in its hybrid warfare, and how have these affected state policies meant to maintain mental and spiritual unity? These questions are thoroughly examined in this paper. False narratives are actively propagated by the psychological and information aspects of this conflict, such as the idea that Ukraine is split between a "nationalistic west" and a "Russian speaking east." These initiatives also entail casting doubt on the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government and eroding confidence in its armed forces and institutions. False information is routinely disseminated in large quantities by pro-Moscow media, social media, and influence networks. The intention is to undermine society's ability to organize and resist, as well as to erode public trust.

What role do religion and language play in this conflict? Russia has frequently used the defense of the "Russian world" and communities of Russian speakers as an excuse for meddling in the domestic affairs of Ukraine. Concurrently, organizations associated with the Russian Orthodox Church have been actively promoting Russia. These campaigns have increased anti-Ukrainian sentiment and widened gaps between religious communities.

Ukraine has stepped up its efforts to strengthen mental and spiritual unity because it is well aware that its adversary uses psychological pressure, historical manipulation, disinformation, and language-based cultural expansion as destabilizing tactics. Decommunization, the preservation of the nation's historical memory, the active promotion of Ukrainian cultural values, and the designation of Ukrainian as the official language in all spheres of life are some tangible measures that demonstrate this.

The institutional structure supporting Ukraine’s spiritual and mental unity policy is a multi‑level system covering education, culture, social affairs, and information. It operates through coordinated action by specialized ministries and state agencies. In the legislative field, the idea of Ukrainian national unity is central and is seen as necessary for building national identity, strengthening statehood, and ensuring security. A review of current laws shows that the state has adopted a multi‑faceted understanding of unity — combining historical, linguistic‑cultural, sociocultural, and civic elements into a coherent spiritual and mental foundation for social progress.