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Abstract

In the midst of the tumultuous Russo-Ukrainian war, safeguarding critical infrastructure stands as a paramount concern, bearing profound implications for national stability and security of Ukraine and Russia. This dissertation delves into the intricate nexus of physical and cybersecurity challenges within this geopolitical tension, shedding light on the interconnectedness of critical assets and their indispensable role in sustaining societal functionality. Through a meticulous examination of historical warfare dynamics between the two states and contemporary warfare strategies, the research underscores the strategic centrality of critical infrastructure in the military engagements between Ukraine and Russia, revealing how pivotal infrastructure becomes in shaping the course of the ongoing conflict.
Furthermore, the study unveils a nuanced humanitarian dilemma arising from the deliberate targeting of infrastructure assets, challenging conventional wisdom on the efficacy of this approach in minimizing civilian casualties. As the conflict unfolds, the dissertation navigates the evolving threat landscape, identifying pervasive physical and cybersecurity hazards poised to disrupt critical infrastructure resilience and exacerbate societal vulnerabilities. Through post-incident analyses of significant security events, the research provides invaluable insights into the effectiveness of existing security measures, offering a roadmap for the formulation of actionable recommendations to fortify them. The synthesis of distinct physical and cybersecurity recommendations and insights underscores the urgency of adopting a proactive security stance, emphasizing the adaptability of these strategies across diverse critical asset domains. As the conflict dynamics continue to shift, the dissertation advocates for ongoing collaboration and scholarly engagement to continually refine critical infrastructure protection strategies and address emerging security threats. By laying a solid foundation for future research and cooperation, this study aims to cultivate a resilient framework capable of navigating the evolving security challenges of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict and safeguarding the essential infrastructure upon which societies depend.

Course: Risk and Security Management - BSc (Hons) - C1565

Date Deposited: 2024-11-07

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14493.html