Background and Objectives
Breaking the Chains is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and protection of animals, operating extensively in conflict-affected regions of Ukraine. The organization is involved in frontline animal evacuation, provision of medical care, and facilitation of adoptions, as well as importation of humanitarian aid such as veterinary supplies and pet food.
To ensure the lawful and uninterrupted functioning of its Ukrainian operations, “Breaking the Chains” engaged Intermarium Law Firm to provide legal assistance in several key areas:
- Immigration and visa support for foreign volunteers;
- Customs clearance of humanitarian aid;
- Drafting and negotiation of contracts with local partners;
- Legal guidance on Ukrainian NGO and charity law;
- Risk mitigation strategies for operations in high-risk zones.
The overarching objective was to establish a fully compliant and operationally secure legal framework that would enable the NGO to fulfil its humanitarian mission effectively, despite operating in an active conflict zone.
Legal Challenges and Complexities
Operating as an international NGO in Ukraine, particularly during wartime, posed numerous legal and procedural challenges:
- Immigration Compliance for Volunteers
Obtaining D-10 (volunteer) visas and temporary residence permits for foreign nationals required precise compliance with Ukrainian immigration law and timely coordination with state authorities.
- Importation of Humanitarian Aid
Customs clearance procedures for humanitarian cargo—including medical supplies and rescue equipment—were subject to rigorous documentation and classification rules. Delays could critically hinder rescue operations.
- Contractual Security
Establishing enforceable agreements with Ukrainian partners (shelters, veterinary providers, transportation contractors, and suppliers) required meticulous legal drafting to mitigate commercial and liability risks.
- Regulatory Compliance for NGOs
Ukrainian legislation governing non-profit and charitable organizations demands precise statutory and tax compliance. Legal missteps could result in fines, deregistration, or impediments to international funding.
- Operational Risk in Conflict Zones
Working in areas under military threat introduced elevated legal risks, including personal liability, restricted access, and special permitting requirements.
Legal Strategy and Implementation
To address the above challenges, Intermarium Law Firm implemented a comprehensive legal strategy tailored to the humanitarian context:
Immigration & Volunteer Legalization
- Prepared full legal packages for D-10 visa issuance and temporary residence applications.
- Advised on documentation, registration requirements, and permissible activities under volunteer status.
- Provided ongoing legal support for visa renewals and compliance monitoring.
Humanitarian Aid Customs Clearance
- Facilitated customs clearance through legal review of shipment classifications and exemption eligibility.
- Coordinated with customs authorities to minimize delays and secure duty-free entry of goods.
- Prepared legal opinions supporting the NGO’s status as a humanitarian aid provider.
Contractual Risk Management
- Drafted and negotiated contracts with Ukrainian counterparties to ensure compliance with local law and mitigate disputes.
- Included clear clauses on liability, delivery obligations, termination, and jurisdiction.
- Reviewed donor agreements to ensure compatibility with local non-profit regulations.
NGO Regulatory Compliance
- Provided legal consultations on applicable NGO, charity, and tax regulations in Ukraine.
- Supported ongoing compliance with statutory reporting, employment rules, and accounting standards.
- Advised on governance structures in line with Ukrainian and international best practices.
Legal Risk Mitigation in Conflict-Affected Territories
- Conducted legal assessments of operations in military zones.
- Advised on the applicability of martial law, curfews, and restricted movement regimes.
- Recommended internal policies for volunteer and asset protection under emergency conditions.
## Results and Legal Outcomes
The legal solutions provided by Intermarium Law Firm resulted in:
- Successful Volunteer Legalization: D-10 visas and residence permits were issued efficiently, ensuring continuity of operations and legal presence of foreign volunteers.
- Optimized Humanitarian Aid Logistics: Customs risks were minimized, allowing for uninterrupted delivery of critical supplies and equipment.
- Contractual Stability: Legally sound agreements protected the organization in all third-party dealings, reducing liability exposure.
- Regulatory Compliance Achieved: The NGO operated in full compliance with Ukrainian charity and NGO law, avoiding potential legal sanctions.
- Risk-Controlled Operations in Conflict Zones: Legal risk assessments and mitigation strategies enabled safe and legally compliant operations in high-risk areas.
Legal Significance and Broader Implications
This case highlights the critical role of legal counsel in enabling the successful operation of international NGOs in high-risk and legally complex environments. In conflict-affected jurisdictions like Ukraine, legal structuring, immigration management, customs navigation, and regulatory compliance are not ancillary, but essential components of humanitarian effectiveness.
The collaboration between “Breaking the Chains” and Intermarium Law Firm demonstrates how tailored legal strategies ensure operational continuity, financial transparency, and regulatory protection—allowing humanitarian organizations to focus on their mission without legal interruption.
