Geopolitical aspects of Ukrainian foreign policy in the years 1991–2013

Abstract

The article aims to analyse Ukrainian foreign policy in the period 1991–
2013, i.e. since the country became independent and until Euromaidan in
Maidan Nezalezhnosti in Kiev and its geopolitical and economic circumstances
in the context of the present conflict between Russia and Ukraine as
well as its relations with the European Union. The conflict not only drove
Ukraine to economic ruin but also revealed its other weaknesses and destabilised
its political and social system. It had been growing for a long time
and created threat for the security of Ukraine and peace in Europe and the
world. It put an end to the foreign policy of oscillating between Russia and
the European Union, which Ukraine adopted when it became sovereign
(1991). The Ukrainian crisis and conflict with Russia also revealed weaknesses
and drawbacks of the European operation and the bankruptcy of its
eastern policy. The main thesis is a conclusion that, despite the present conflict,
because of geopolitical and geo-economic factors, Ukraine and Russia
are in fact condemned to coexistence and the earlier all the parties to the
conflict, especially the West, realise that, the easier it will be to finish the
conflict, in fact a war, with benefits for all the involved parties. The European
Union should do everything to help normalise the relations between the two
countries and develop appropriate strategy towards both Russia and Ukraine.
It is necessary to promise less to Ukraine and to stop threatening Russia
with new sanctions, and act more efficiently. This requires cooperation of
the EU with Ukraine and Russia, without which bringing a peaceful end to
the Ukrainian-Russian conflict is impossible. This does not mean, however,
that the EU should give in to Russia’s demands or admit Ukraine to the
Union. On the other hand, Russia cannot violate international law and must
again accept the European status quo and communicate with Ukraine, the
European Union and the United States.