As the war in Ukraine continues to reshape the country’s security landscape, the Police Stabilization Project (PSP), funded by Global Affairs Canada, is at the forefront. Since 2015, PSP has worked alongside Ukraine’s National Police (NPU) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOIA) to enhance public safety and build police capacity to address the evolving challenges of wartime policing. From responding to gender-based violence to providing psychological health support for police officers, PSP plays a vital role in strengthening Ukraine’s security sector and fostering trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. This year, as we celebrate International Development Week under the theme Building a Better World Together, PSP is being showcased for its acknowledgement of the importance of collaboration for creating safer, more resilient communities in Ukraine.
One of the PSP’s key objectives is to equip Ukrainian police officers with the tools and training needed to protect vulnerable communities. The project has been instrumental in addressing domestic violence and conflict-related sexual violence, ensuring that survivors receive the necessary support while crimes are properly documented and addressed. By implementing training workshops for investigators, Patrol Police officers, and prosecutors, PSP enhances law enforcement’s ability to respond effectively to gender-based violence. The initiative also leads public awareness campaigns, such as the “16 Days Against Violence” campaign, reinforcing its commitment to preventing abuse and supporting survivors.

Beyond policing operations, PSP recognizes the immense psychological strain officers face as first responders in an active war zone. To mitigate burnout and enhance resilience, the project has been implementing the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) psychological support program, which trains volunteer peer advisors within the police service throughout the country to assist their colleagues in stress management, coping mechanisms andemotional well-being. Additionally, PSP has introduced a Resilient Leadership training program for police leaders, particularly those from high-risk regions, ensuring that psychological health is prioritized at all levels of law enforcement. By fostering a supportive and stable working environment, these initiatives contribute to the long-term sustainability of Ukraine’s police service.
Another pillar of the PSP’s work is strengthening community engagement. Recognizing that public trust in law enforcement is fundamental to security, the project has helped establish community safety hubs in nine cities across Ukraine. The selected cities are Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, Vinnytsia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kropyvnytskyi, Dnipro, Kherson, Kramatorsk, and Lutsk. These hubs serve as collaborative spaces where police officers and local stakeholders work together to enhance safety mechanisms and address pressing community concerns. The initiative builds upon the foundation of community consultative groups, which were established in 2019 to promote dialogue between police and civilians and advance the principles of community police as a means to build trust and collaboration. Today, these hubs provide critical services, including legal aid, social support, and psychological health resources, reinforcing the PSP’s mission to create safer, more resilient communities.
At the heart of the PSP’s success is its strong network of partnerships. Since its inception, the project has fostered long-term cooperation with Ukrainian police agencies, local service providers, international partners, and civil society organizations. These collaborations are essential in ensuring the project’s sustainability, providing access to resources, training opportunities, and funding that enhance law enforcement’s capacity to serve communities and provide access to much-need resources for citizens enduring the impact of war. The community safety hubs exemplify the power of these partnerships, demonstrating how cooperation between police and local organizations can lead to meaningful improvements in public safety.
Pairing up with civil society and police partners has proven to be a strategic move, allowing the PSP to extend its reach and deepen its impact. This collaboration also enables knowledge-sharing, ensuring that police officers and community leaders can exchange expertise, best practices, and innovative approaches to public safety.
One of the standout achievements of the PSP has been its focus on ensuring that police officers themselves receive the support they need to continue serving their communities effectively. The psychological health and well-being of officers are often overlooked in conflict situations, yet they play a critical role in maintaining the stability of law enforcement institutions. The Peer-to-Peer (P2P) psychological support program is particularly noteworthy, as it has created a network of trained advisors who can offer assistance to their colleagues in times of crisis. By integrating psychological health awareness and support structures within the police service, the PSP is fostering a culture of resilience and care, ensuring that officers are equipped to handle the immense pressures of their work.
As Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges of war and recovery, the Police Stabilization Project remains committed to fostering security, resilience, and trust between law enforcement and communities. This year’s International Development Week theme, Building a Better World Together, underscores the importance of collaboration in international development. The PSP stands as a testament to this principle, proving that by working together—across borders, sectors, and communities—we can build a safer and more just world for everyone. Through its continued partnerships and cooperative efforts, PSP is not just helping Ukraine today but is laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient nation in the future.