GEOSTRATEGY OF UKRAINE REGARDING THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Abstract

The article examines the basic principles of the formation of Ukrainian geostrategy, analyzes the dynamics of the development of the geostrategy of independent Ukraine regarding the Russian Federation (the RF), identifies the leading directions of contemporary Ukrainian geostrategy and its prospective vectors. Geostrategy, in a broad sense, formulates and substantiates the main goals, norms, and principles of the state's foreign policy, as well as defines the main means and methods of realizing its interests in the international arena. In a practical sense, geostrategy performs the functions of determining the most effective means of protecting the security of the state, as well as developing practical recommendations for the implementation of its national interests. The following types of geostrategy are proposed according to their purpose: influence (or control), confrontation, and cooperation. Geostrategy of independent Ukraine in the 90s of the 20th century was “multi-vector”. The “Western” and “Eastern” vectors of cooperation were defined as the main ones in Ukraine's geostrategy. The “Black Sea” vector would be promising for Ukraine in the event of the development of integration processes in the Black Sea basin. During the presidency of Viktor Yushchenko, the “Western” vector became the main one in Ukraine's geostrategy, it was aimed at cooperation with Western countries and at joining the EU and NATO. During the time of President Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine's geostrategy again became a “two-vector”, combining the “Western” and “Eastern” vectors of cooperation. After the Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2014, the leading geostrategic vector of cooperation remained the “Western” one, and regarding the RF, Ukraine's geostrategy turned into a confrontational “containment” one. During the current full-scale war, Ukraine must implement an offensive geostrategy against Russia to restore its territorial integrity. In the post-war period, the geostrategy of “containment” regarding the RF with the help of Western countries will be the most appropriate for Ukraine.