Ukraine–NATO: State and Prospects of Cooperation Development

Abstract

Сurrent relations of Ukraine with NATO and prospects for their development to develop a common defense and security policy are considered. It is noted that the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, its illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, waging a «hybrid war» against it, military intervention in the eastern regions of Ukraine, constant military, political, economic and information pressure from Russia necessitate Ukraine’s search for more effective guarantees. NATO remains the most influential security organization, so political and military cooperation with it is vital for Ukraine. Today, NATO’s European policy focuses mainly on security issues, as well as on enhancing dialogue with both member countries and candidate countries. The definition of modern features of NATO’s European and Euro-Atlantic policy and prospects for the development of Ukraine’s new security policy are relevant. The purpose of this article is to analyze the current relationship between Ukraine and the Alliance and their development prospects. The Concept of Improving Public Awareness of Ukraine’s Cooperation with NATO during 2017–2020 approved by the President of Ukraine on February 21, 2017 in order to increase public support for state policy in the field of Euro-Atlantic integration and the level of trust of Ukrainian citizens in NATO as a key institution in strengthening international security is analyzed. The results of sociological research on Ukraine’s membership in NATO are presented, which reflect the dynamics of public support for Ukraine’s membership in NATO. Key words: NATO-Ukraine; cooperation; security; sociological data; Ukraine’s membership in NATO.