Міжнародні відносини: теоретико-практичні аспекти (May 2020)
UKRAINE IN THE FRENCH FOCUS: THE POSITION OF PARIS
Abstract
The main objective of the study is to analyze France's position on contemporary French-Ukrainian relations, the status of the Crimea and the reintegration of the Donbas. Concerning methodology the systematic method was used for comprehensive studying of French approaches to problematic issues, such as the reintegration of the Donbas, the annexation of Crimea, and the revitalization of French investment in Ukraine. A comparative analysis of the statements of French MP V. Faure-Muntian and Ukrainian MP O. Voloshyn reveals certain elements of the information war. The official position of France on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict 2014–2020 was analyzed. The hypothetical potential of Ukraine as a market for France and the main obstacle for French investments – corruption – has been clarified. It was proved that despite the fact that Ukraine's relations with France are not strategic, they have entered into a phase of strengthening their importance for Ukraine through the participation of France in the Normandy format, the French position on Russia and sanctions against that state and such events as France’s joining to signatories of the Budapest Memorandum and Brexit, through which France becomes the only nuclear country in the EU. The conclusion is drawn about the unpredictability of France's long-term strategy for Ukraine because of its significant dependence on the concept of the French president, who defines foreign and defence policy, and the results of the presidential race are unpredictable enough, as proved by the recent presidential elections in 2017. Recommendations underline the urgency of overcoming corruption; its success will determine French–Ukrainian economic relations. The priority is given to tracking elements of the information war and responding immediately, and if possible preventing it by spreading information more widely about Ukraine in France. It is highlighted the expediency of acquainting the French with the achievements of Ukraine in the field of culture and art that is one of the methods for the best presentation of the positives of Ukraine in France.
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