The “Western Vector” of the Foreign and Security Policy of Ukraine

Abstract

Ukraine faces a long-standing absence of unity in political, economical, ethnic, cultural, religious, and mental terms. Especially EU- and NATO-related matters suffer from domestic disagreement and infighting over the future external orientation of the country. In 2004, the Orange Revolution brought in a new Ukrainian leadership under President Viktor Yushchenko which put EU and NATO accession right at the top of its foreign policy priorities. But NATO has always been unpopular in Ukraine, especially in the Russian-speaking regions. Nevertheless, NATO standards are to be introduced in all fields of the management bodies of the Armed Forces. European integration has been a key priority of Ukraine's foreign policy already for a considerable period of time; it was not initiated by the Orange leadership after 2005. Russia is still a very important factor in nearly all aspects of Ukraine's foreign and security policy. Moscow is firmly convinced that the entire cooperation between Ukraine and NATO is nothing but directed against Russia. It makes considerable political, economic and diplomatic efforts to undermine Kyiv's rapprochement towards the West. Thus, the Kremlin pursues “integration” plans within the “post-Soviet space” which aim, among other goals, at denying Ukraine's accession to the EU. Taking account of Russia' stance, NATO and EU obviously do not push Ukraine's accession.