UKRAINE’S POSITIONING IN INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS AS AN INDICATOR OF CUSTOMS RISK MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS UNDER SECURITY CHALLENGES

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of Ukraine’s positioning in leading international rankings as a key indicator of the effectiveness of the national customs risk management system under security challenges. The research examines the dynamics of the Logistics Performance Index (LPI), the Global Organized Crime Index (GOCI), and the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) throughout the 2018–2025 period. A particular focus is placed on the structural transformation of criminal markets and logistics routes forced by the ongoing military aggression. The article identifies the shift toward the "logistics resilience" model as a strategic necessity. It outlines specific reserves for enhancing the effectiveness of risk management, primarily through the integration of AI-driven tracking systems, full-scale implementation of the NCTS, and the deepening of international operational cooperation in anti-money laundering (AML) efforts. The research justifies the urgent need to adapt customs profiling mechanisms to address complex hybrid threats, including the illicit trade of dual-use goods and sophisticated forms of transboundary smuggling. Furthermore, the study emphasizes that the technological leap witnessed in the logistics sector acts as a vital compensatory mechanism for the physical and infrastructure damage caused by the war. By analyzing the correlation between global monitoring indices and local customs operational data, the article demonstrates that digital transparency tools and real-time data exchange are essential for maintaining trade flows in high-risk zones. The author argues that Ukraine’s progress in digitalizing its customs administration represents a proactive step toward integration into the European transit space, even while external factors create severe bottlenecks. The effectiveness of these measures is contingent upon sustained institutional support and the harmonization of national legislation with EU standards. The study demonstrates that despite significant security pressures, Ukraine maintains high institutional adaptability through the active implementation of digital transparency tools and anti-corruption oversight. However, the author argues that the lack of progress in judicial and law enforcement reforms remains a bottleneck, limiting the overall potential for customs efficiency. The findings contribute to the development of a strategic framework for customs security that balances operational facilitation with stringent risk control in high-threat environments, aiming to ensure long-term stability and economic integration into the European transit space.