Концепция участия Украины в интеграционных проектах на постсоветском пространстве как предпосылка и фактор эскалации российско-украинского конфликта

The article deals with of integration processes on the post-sovet space. Consideration of the role of integration projects in the post-Soviet space allows us to make the following generalizations. From the geopolitical point of view, the Eurasian region, which basically coincides with the post-Soviet space, cannot be considered as a heterogeneous complex. In view of this, integration associations, created as region-wide in their development, meet with various kinds of problems of a functional, civilizational nature, etc. Ukraine, proceeding from the peculiarities of the geopolitical position, which is characterized by a unique use of „bridge status”, „buffer zone”, „barrier”, aims to develop an effective model of cooperation with countries of the post-Soviet space in different areas. Such cooperation develops taking into account the need to develop bilateral relations as a foreign policy priority. At the same time, not excluding multilateral cooperation models, Ukraine adheres to the principle of limiting participation in integration structures with supranational authorities. As can be seen from the analysis, integration projects based on the principles of „deep integration” are considered by Ukraine as a kind of forums for the development of mutually bene' cial contacts, usually on a bilateral basis. An alternative can be those regional formations, which are considered by Ukraine as consulting forums for discussion, solving common problems and resolving contradictions. An analysis of the geopolitical and civilizational contradictions between Ukraine and Russia leads to a clash of interests and conceptual approaches to the integration of the post-Soviet space. In this sense, Ukraine’s approaches to integration processes in the post-Soviet space have become a prerequisite for the aggravation of the Russian-Ukrainian confrontation and a factor in the escalation of the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict. Dynamic changes in the emerging international order allow us to express a judgment about the need for further in-depth theoretical development and modeling of Ukraine’s foreign policy activities in the context of our state’s participation in integration processes at the regional and global levels. At the same time, emphasis should be placed on a comprehensive analysis of the geopolitical aspirations of the countries of the region and actors of global politics.