Updated Maritime doctrine of Ukraine: response to threats to modern Ukrainian statehood

Abstract

This article launches a comprehensive research of the Maritime Doctrine of Ukraine for the period until 2035. This document lays foundations for future amendments of the maritime legislation in current Ukraine. The methodological basis of the research was formed by dialectical, historical, formal legal, synergistic, and prognostic methods. Within the research, certain aspects of the revised Maritime Doctrine of Ukraine for the period until 2035 were outlined. Distribution of so-called civil and military directions of reformation of Ukrainian maritime affairs and the importance of the coastal regions in maritime development were highlighted as well. The previous version of the document did not cover these issues. Initiatives in Odessa Region supported at the state level by implementing normative and legal enforcement practice were emphasized. Many provisions of the Doctrine are devoted to development of naval activity and protection against national security threats in maritime affairs through military intervention and involvement in coastal and other sea spaces. New version of the Doctrine was developed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and supported by the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Emergencies Service, and the entire government. The author has supported the initiatives to supplement the existing Maritime Doctrine with an effective plan of measures on its norms implementation. It should be institutionally and financially backed by the state and aim not only to generate short term revenue, but to develop measures to finally return for Ukraine the status of a powerful maritime state.

Keywords

• maritime activity
• maritime doctrine of ukraine
• public (state) administration
• marine affairs
• merchant shipping