THE PROBLEM OF THE CRIMEAN PENINSULA WITHIN THE SCOPE OF MAINTAINING NATIONAL INTERESTS OF UKRAINE: THE ENERGY ASPECT

Abstract

Abstract. Maintenance of national interests is one of the most important stateʼs functions. National
interests of Ukraine include the whole range of needs of each Ukrainian citizen and of the
nation as a monolith. Along with pluralism, national interests are characterized by their priority,
which depends on the level of their vitality. As to the concept of national security of Ukraine
such national interests as protection of national sovereignty, territorial integrity and state border
are considered as vital. The Crimean problem is a military occupation of the Crimean Peninsula
by the Russian Federation violates vital and foreground national interests of Ukraine. It
disrupts political, economic, humanitarian and also energy security of Ukraine.
Ukrainian-Russian energy interaction exists within economic and political aspects of the two
statesʼ relationship. The political aspect has the most substantial influence on gas relations of
Russia and Ukraine. In such conditions it is pertinent to speak of so called «gas» diplomacy of
Moscow. The principles, which «gas» diplomacy is adherent to, often ignore economic side of
gas relationship. During this Russian petrodollars become an instrument to achieve its political
goals. Ukraine is to secure national interests in gas relations with Russia taking into account
not only economic conjuncture but replying equally in a timely way on Moscow’s political
steps aimed at achieving the latter’s political ambitions.
Energy aspect of the Crimean problem disrupts energy security of Ukraine. Aggravation of
Ukraine-Russian relations is a deteriorating fact within the scope of Ukrainian dependence on
Russian gas supply. Furthermore occupation of Crimea blocks Ukraine from using its potential
of increasing national output of natural gas which is to be done in order to lessen dependence
on Russia and achieve Ukrainian energy independence.
Key words: energy aspect, interstate relations, gas geopolitics, energy resources, Crimean
problem, national interests of Ukraine.