Geopolitical Issues in the Current Crisis Between Ukraine and Russia

Abstract

This article concentrates on the new geopolitical role and place of Ukraine, taking into account consequences of the military conflict with Russia. After the Soviet Union collapsed, a huge transformation occurred because of the critical role and geopolitical importance of Ukraine for both Russia and the EU. The former considers it strategically important not only as a littoral state at the Black Sea that borders on several EU member states but also a transit country for Russian gas. In turn, the European Union occupies a cautious stance towards both Ukraine and Russia weighting positive and negative developments that its decisions may cause. Depending on the results of the future presidential elections, the United States might continue to pursue aims that would further irritate Russia or they will prefer to avoid actions that would risk harming Moscow’s ties with Washington.