The State of Ukraine's Judiciary During Wartime
A European Commission report released late last year acknowledges that Ukraine's judicial system has remained operational throughout the full-scale war. However, it is critically overburdened due to a severe lack of personnel. Ukrainian courts process over 4.5 million cases annually, with a case clearance rate of 95–98% in 2024. The existence of more than 2,000 vacant judges' positions by the end of 2025 points to a profound staffing crisis within the judiciary.
By the end of 2025, court administrative offices also had over 1,000 unfilled positions. The judiciary's budget for 2025 covers only about 61% of the system's needs. The salary for court staff ranges from 10,000 to 12,000 hryvnias, raising serious concerns about retaining qualified personnel in this sector.
The Critical Need for Qualified Personnel
Marina Barsuk, who has worked in the judicial system since 2001, noted that the European Commission's annual report reveals the true state of the justice system. She emphasized that the figures reflect the reality of a judicial branch functioning not because of, but in spite of, extremely difficult conditions, including a severe shortage of staff and resources.
'Where a full team should be working, only isolated employees remain, forced to handle everything simultaneously—from registering correspondence to drafting decision proposals.' Marina Barsuk
According to Barsuk, the absence of effective models to retain professionals complicates the situation. Statistics from the Kyiv Commercial Court for 2006–2012 show that over 30 assistants became judges, and a similar approach is needed today.
Barsuk also observed that 'we entrust these people with the most sensitive information—from commercial secrets to human destinies and million-dollar assets—yet their work is valued at 10,000–12,000 hryvnias.' This indicates that working conditions within the judicial system require improvement to ensure the effectiveness and stability of justice in Ukraine. This staffing and funding crisis is a significant challenge for a nation simultaneously defending its sovereignty and pursuing EU integration.
The situation in Ukraine's judicial system is complex; while maintaining functionality during the war, it faces serious challenges related to staff shortages and insufficient funding. The problems of inadequate pay and a deficit of qualified workers could negatively impact the quality of justice and public trust in the legal system. Resolving these issues is critically important for supporting the stable operation of the judiciary in Ukraine, especially under wartime conditions and during the country's post-conflict recovery.