Geneva, October 15, 2025 – Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) within the Armed Forces of Ukraine has transformed from a coordination function into a frontline mechanism for protecting civilians, according to a new report released today by Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) during Geneva Peace Week.

The report, Civil-Military Cooperation in Action: Ukraine’s CIMIC Officers at the Heart of Protection of Civilians, is CIVIC’s second study on CIMIC in Ukraine, following its 2023 assessment. It documents how CIMIC officers have become critical actors in preventing and mitigating harm to civilians amid the ongoing war.

CIMIC has grown from a coordination function into a frontline mechanism for civilian protection,

said Khrystyna Kozak, CIVIC researcher.

Yet this expanded role has come with greater demands and limited resources. As the war continues, CIMIC officers need sustained training and support to keep fulfilling their mission of protecting civilians.

CIMIC officers are often among the first responders in crisis zones, facilitating evacuations, restoring essential services, and coordinating between military units, local authorities, and communities.

The report also finds that CIMIC’s importance is now formally recognized in Ukraine’s defense structures, following legislative changes in 2024 that established it as a strategic component of national defense and civilian protection.

Civil-Military Cooperation is where strategy meets humanity,

said Alexander Grif, CIVIC’s Country Director in Ukraine.

It ensures that military operations are guided by the realities and needs of civilians, helping prevent harm before it happens. Two years after our first report, we see both progress and challenges but also a clear path forward. Strengthening CIMIC means strengthening the ability to protect people, even in the most difficult conditions of conflict.

CIVIC calls on Ukraine’s leadership, international partners, and donors to strengthen CIMIC capacities through sustained training, adequate resourcing, and clear operational guidance to ensure officers can focus on their primary mission: protecting civilians.

Access full report here

CIVIC in Ukraine

CIVIC has been present in Ukraine since 2017, conducting research and on-the-ground activities assisting the Ukrainian government and the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in the development and implementation of tools, training, and policies on protection of civilians. CIVIC in Ukraine is also supporting local communities in the areas at risk of escalation of hostilities and in newly liberated areas by strengthening their preparedness and resilience to protection threats, building effective coordination systems with the military, local authorities and communities, and amplifying civilians’ voice through research and advocacy.

Learn more on protection of civilians in Ukraine https://shorturl.at/0bWn1

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Global CIVIC Communications: [email protected]
In Geneva/Kyiv: Communications Manager, Liudmyla Gitsevych, +380967377810 , [email protected]

Spokespersons are available in English and Ukrainian