SOCIAL JUSTICE UNDER MATERIAL LAW CONDITION

Abstract

The article examines the main aspects of ensuring social justice in conditions of martial law. The relevance of the study is due to the fact that social justice is the main feature of a state governed by the rule of law, because it is thanks to social justice that the protection of the rights of all citizens and equal access to resources is ensured. In conditions of martial law, which has been in effect in Ukraine since February 24, 2022, in connection with the full-scale invasion of the russian federation, this principle has become an instrument of cohesion and stability of society. The war has increased inequality, created socially vulnerable groups of the population (as a result of the full-scale invasion, 13.5 million people became internally displaced in Ukraine, GDP in 2022 decreased by 29.2%, and poverty increased by 77%) and created threats to the basic rights to medical care, education, and housing. The perception of social inequality during a full-scale invasion also changed: in 2019 this figure was 94.1%, and in 2024 – 73.5%. The main forms of social inequality were recognized as unequal mobilization and corruption in the provision of assistance, in particular to IDPs. The purpose of the article is to study the formation of social justice in Ukraine under martial law, its impact on social protection, challenges for socially vulnerable groups of the population, transformations in politics and economics, and the possibility of its restoration after the end of martial law. The study shows that Ukrainian lawyers have rethought social justice in accordance with the conditions of martial law: from the proportional distribution of benefits (T. Balahura) to the issue of social security, which is recognized as a barrier against risks (V. Kutsenko, S. Lyndiuk). It is stated that martial law also affects citizens’ rights: the Constitutional Court of Ukraine balances restrictions with guarantees (V. Horodovenko), and the economy is characterized by a transformation process with an emphasis on solidarity (Ya. Petrunenko), but the loss of 2.4 million jobs and inflation of 26.6% are significant challenges for it. Vulnerable segments of the population, such as IDPs, military families and disabled people, face discrimination; the population assessment methodology (O. Novikova) emphasizes gender aspects. The conclusions establish that social justice in conditions of martial law is an imperative for resilience and recovery. Adaptive mechanisms (digitalization, legislative changes and judicial control) mitigate these inequalities but require transparency and integration with EU standards. Among the main recommendations that can contribute to the establishment of social justice in modern Ukraine, the development of crisis housing programs, strengthening payment platforms, in particular for IDPs, and monitoring manifestations of discrimination are highlighted. Future research should be aimed at studying the post-war implementation of social justice.