The ongoing war in Ukraine has seen an unprecedented integration of cyber operations alongside conventional military action. A defining feature of this conflict has been the use of cyber proxies – non-state actors who conduct cyber operations on behalf of, or in parallel with, state interests. While Ukraine has built resilience through partnerships with international allies and the private sector, the involvement of multiple proxy actors raises critical questions around responsibility and accountability.
This project examines the evolution of these proxy relationships within the context of the Ukraine war between 2022 and 2024, exploring their broader implications for future conflicts and the pressing need for a robust international framework to address these increasingly complex cyber threats.
Key objectives
- To map the role of cyber proxies in the Ukraine conflict and their implications for global security.
- To analyse the extent to which existing legal frameworks and mechanisms can be applied to various levels of involvement by proxy actors.
- To offer recommendations for the application, implementation and, where appropriate, adaptation of current legal instruments to address these activities.
Key activities
- Conduct in-depth research and expert interviews/consultations.
- Organize a workshop to discuss initial research findings.
- Develop a research paper on cyber proxies in the Ukraine conflict, their international accountability implications, and lessons learned for future conflicts.
- Develop an outreach campaign for dissemination of research findings.
Funders
This project is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC).