Cхід (Sep 2016)
Change of the geopolitical choice of independent Ukraine (current historical aspect)
Abstract
The paper looks into the processes and conditions which led to the change of the geopolitical vector of Ukraine in the second decade of the 21st century. Applicable legal documents on national security and defense, adopted by the Ukrainian authorities in 2015-2016, are analyzed, namely the National Security Strategy, the Military Doctrine, the Strategic Defense Bulletin and the White Book of Ukraine -2015. It is pointed out that, as opposed to the previous documents, the above instruments identify the Russian military-political aggression among the current justifiable threats to and dangers for national security of Ukraine and suggest some steps to develop a new national security system with the maximal level of compatibility of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with NATO countries through introducing standards of the North Atlantic Alliance and achievement of the long-term objective of joining the Common European security system. The author indicates some strategic miscalculations due to the fact that Ukraine is no part of the European anti-ballistic missile system as well as the regional security structure. It is emphasized that Russia strives to turn Ukraine into the field of its interests. There is a list of challenges, threats and dangers given, which substantively influence the national security situation of our country, some recommendations on their elimination provided. According to the author, it is necessary to: - continue concluding bilateral and multilateral military-political as well as security agreements with the neighboring countries, the world leading states, especially in the field of restoration of maritime forces, joining the global anti-ballistic missile and air defense systems. Recent world history shows that regional systems were sufficiently effective military-political blocs. Using international experience, Ukraine may propose developing a regional Balto-Black Sea security system in partnership with Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Romania, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, the USA and Great Britain; - actively pursue the political and diplomatic work aimed at strengthening anti-Russian, pro-European and global counteraction to the RF policy of aggression; - boost the development (purchase) of new precision weapons (short-range missiles up to 500 km and intermediate-range missiles up to 5000 km). The above breaks no current international agreements. The country still has a scientific and technical potential required for the purpose. The efficiency of such weapons is rather high and will stop any aggressor as well as serve a deterrence function.
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