THE TRANSFORMATION OF UKRAINE'S EXPORT ACTIVITIES UNDER MARTIAL LAW: THE INSTITUTIONAL ROLE AND STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SMES
This article examines the transformation of Ukraine's SME export activities amid a full-scale war, addressing one of the most critical challenges for the national economy under martial law. The topic is particularly relevant due to the radical shift in the role of SMEs during the war, as traditional export drivers have lost their effectiveness, posing direct threats to economic security through declining foreign exchange earnings. The objective is to: quantitatively assess the asymmetric resilience of different size groups of enterprises; determine the role of SMEs as the foundation of economic security; identify systemic barriers; and justify public policy instruments to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs in international markets and strengthen the economy's security capabilities. The methodology combines general scientific and specialized methods, including comparative analysis of export productivity dynamics, clustering by employee count, growth rate calculations, systematic approach to export potential, structural analysis of category shares, content analysis of barriers, and expert structuring for the strategic matrix. It has been established that SMEs serve as a fundamental element of economic security, ensuring the stability of the export sector amid the critical decline in the capacity of large corporations. The asymmetric nature of resilience has been substantiated: while large enterprises reduced both export volumes and productivity, SMEs maintained performance and increased their relative share. The ability of SMEs to sustain export revenues is a direct factor of financial stability, preventing the depletion of international reserves. Systemic barriers have been identified: financial deficits, logistical constraints, currency and regulatory burdens, a shortage of skilled personnel, and insufficient market competencies. A strategic matrix of measures has been developed across four areas, forming a new security architecture in which SMEs are a system-forming element. The results can be used to shape public policy aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs, increasing tax revenues, and ensuring Ukraine's economic recovery and long-term security.