The Difficult and Long Way of Ukraine to NATO

Abstract

This article aims to present the current chances of Ukraine for joining the Euro – Atlantic structures, more precisely the NATO. What factors used to and still influence this integration? Is it possible to happen soon? It is also worth paying attention on how much effort has been involved in this integration since Ukraine regained its independence after the collapse of the USSR. In 1991 Ukraine had become a legitimate subject of the whole system of international affairs. The new state had to set its own political course, which would not be in contradiction to the concept of the national security of Ukraine and at the same time would be in tune with the fixed system of relationship on the international scene, and would favor the stabilization of the European security. In this context, the most important relations for Ukraine were the ones with the neighboring countries, members of NATO and the European Union, as well as, the members of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), led by Russia1.