THE INFLUENCE OF FOREIGN ACTORS ON ETHNOPOLITICAL CONFLICTS IN UKRAINE: CURRENT CHALLENGES AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES OF POLITICAL PR FOR THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS

Abstract

The article conducts a comprehensive scientific study of the mechanisms and consequences of the influence of external actors on the ethno-political stability of Ukraine in the context of a full-scale war and preparations for the post-war election cycle of 2026. The relevance of the topic is due to the need to neutralize hybrid threats aimed at destabilizing social unity through the instrumentalization of ethnic, linguistic and religious faults. Based on the analysis of a wide range of sources, in particular, sociological data from the Razumkov Center and KIIS for 2024–2025, the dynamics of the transformation of national identity from ethno-cultural to civic are revealed. Special attention is paid to the strategies of the Russian Federation, which uses “cognitive war”, disinformation ecosystems and the religious factor (UOC MP) to undermine state subjectivity. The influence of regional actors, in particular Hungary and Romania, in the context of protecting the rights of national minorities and their influence on European integration processes is considered. Modern communication strategies of political PR are analyzed, including the concepts of “Projecting Self” and the use of artificial intelligence to form an “information shield”. The roadmap for preparing for the 2026 elections is studied, which provides for a multi-level security audit, digital transparency of financing and counteraction to “corrosive capital”. The scientific novelty lies in the conceptualization of a model of strategic communications capable of minimizing ethno-political tension through inclusive narratives and pre-bunk- ing. Special emphasis is placed on the significance of restoring the State Register of Voters from January 1, 2026 and the implementation of cyber training to protect electoral integ- rity. The role of the concept of “Distancing Self” in deconstructing hostile manipulations and strengthening the cognitive resilience of citizens is highlighted. The use of adaptive AI algorithms for preventive detection of micro-targeted provocations in social media is proposed. The conclusions contain recommendations for strengthening national resilience and adapting electoral legislation to the conditions of hybrid challenges.