THE UKRAINIAN STATE UNDER PRESSURE: A CLASH OF INTERESTS BETWEEN THE WEST AND RUSSIA
THE UKRAINIAN STATE UNDER PRESSURE: A CLASH OF INTERESTS BETWEEN THE WEST AND RUSSIA

Summary/Abstract: This paper examines Ukraine’s geopolitical situation and its struggle for sovereigntyin the context of the conflict between the West and Russia. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine faced serious political, economic, and security challenges, culminating in several significant events: the Orange Revolution (2004), the Maidan protests (2013–2014),the annexation of Crimea (2014), the conflict in Donbas, and the Russian invasion (special military operation) in 2022.The research employs historical analysis, the comparative method, and geopolitical theory to assess the role of external factors in the Ukrainian crisis. Western powers, particularly the United States and the European Union, have provided Ukraine with political, economic, and military support, while Russia has sought to maintain its influence through military intervention, diplomatic pressure, and interference in internal affairs. Furthermore, the economic dimension of the conflict is examined, including Ukraine’s efforts to negotiate an agreement on the extraction of critical minerals with the United States, which has increased its strategic significance in international politics. The role of energy resources, trade dependencies, and economic sanctions is also considered in shaping the broader geopolitical landscape. Ultimately, Ukraine’s fight for independence has far-reaching implications for global stability, European integration, and international law, influencing the balance of power in the region. Its outcome will be crucial for the future of European security architecture and the stability of post-Cold War international relations.

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