Ukraine-NATO: Problems and Prospects of Partnership

Abstract

The article contains an overview of the evolution of Ukraine-NATO relations from the beginning of our state’s independence to the present. The author made an attempt to identify and characterize the main periods of the formation of Ukraine-NATO relations, to identify the key problems of partnership development. It is noted that at the beginning of independence, Ukraine chose a neutral and non-aligned status, and then declared multi-vectorism as the basis of foreign security policy, which was a historically determined necessity in the transition period. At that time, Ukraine remained in the field of interests of Russia, which sought to restore its position in the post-Soviet space, and therefore did not have the opportunity to fully integrate into the Euro-Atlantic structures.

Due to the difficult geopolitical situation, Ukraine was forced to maneuver between the East and the West in order to establish itself in the international field and take its place in the European security architecture. In the 1990s, Ukraine-NATO relations developed quite briskly, but not enough for Ukraine to become a NATO member. However, Ukraine managed to gain the status of a special partner, which subsequently contributed to the deepening of bilateral relations.

In the 2000s, Ukraine-NATO relations first intensified, and after Yanukovych came to power, Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration was suspended. The situation changed after the Revolution of Dignity, when pro-European democratic forces came to power. Further policy is aimed at deepening Ukraine’s relations with the Alliance. Ukraine has finally decided on its course, but the necessary conditions must be met for successful integration. Also, for its part, NATO should conduct a more targeted policy regardless of Russia, which is not as strong as it has created an image of itself through propaganda. Ukraine receives the undisputed support of the Alliance, but, unfortunately, this is not enough to end the war and restore territorial integrity. Ukraine’s accession to NATO would guarantee Ukraine’s security on the one hand, and strengthen the Alliance’s values on the other. Therefore, NATO needs more determination in Ukraine’s accession to the Alliance.