Granì (Apr 2019)
The security dimension of Ukrainian-Russian relations around Crimea in the political activity of the People’s Movement of Ukraine in 1991–2008th.
Abstract
In this general article withsecurity dimension of Ukrainian-Russian relations around Crimea in the political activity of the People’s Movement of Ukraineis discussed. The key political statements of the PMU concerning the Crimea and Sevastopol military base of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation were investigated. An assessment of the position of political force on Russian policy in the Crimea is given. It was found out that in their activity, the members of the PMU paid constant attention to the lack of a clear state policy of the Ukrainian authorities regarding the Crimea and the military contingent located on the peninsula of the Russian Federation. In most cases, the PMU pointed out that the lack of well thought-out Ukrainian policy in the Crimea along with the activity of Russia itself is a catalyst for destabilizing events on the peninsula. Particular attention of the «Rukhvtsy» paid attention to the activity of various cultural and educational groups in the Crimea, which were completely loyal to Russia. In addition, the special emphasis in the article is made in the position of the PMU on the base of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation. It was found out that in the vision of political power, the presence of the Black Sea Fleet of Russia in the Crimea was destabilizing not only on the socio-political situation in the Crimea, but also throughout the territory of Ukraine. At the same time, «Rukhvtsy» indicated that the lack of well-thought Ukrainian policy in bilateral relations around Crimea could further develop into a full-scale conflict. The main proposals of the PMU concerning the possible regulation of tension in bilateral relations are outlined. It is concluded that in 1991–2008 the People’s Movement of Ukraine as a political force was clearly aware of the hidden threats to national security contained in the Ukrainian-Russian relations around Crimea. At the same time, in spite of numerous political statements and appeals to the top government of the state, the proposals voiced by the PMU did not take into account in any way that in the future they became a catalyst for the beginning of Russian open aggression against Ukraine.
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