MODERN RELATIONS BETWEEN RUSSIA AND UKRAINE

The article focuses on the evolution of the Russian - Ukrainian relations. The authors argue that the main condition of Ukraine's stable development is a good-neighborly relationship with Russia, a country from which Ukraine got its territory and sovereignty. At the same time the authors note that since the very first days of independence in 1991 the Ukrainian ruling elite began to wind down the relations with Russia and to discriminate against Russians living in the country. This policy shaped by nationalists resulted in the current crisis of Ukrainian statehood, the civil war in Donbass and the loss of the Crimea. Russians are asserting their right to leave Ukraine with their land. A significant role is played by the United States who makes use of Ukraine as a means of undermining Russia's geostrategic position.