Yakubova T. Ochakiv town-fortress and its strategic significance in Russian-Ukrainian-Turkish military confrontation in XVIII century.

The thesis is dedicated to investigation of historical events around Ochakiv fortress in XVIII century. It analyzes the state of the fortress combativity in XVIII century and its role in Russian-Ukrainian-Turkish military confrontation. The investigation traces military raid of hetman Ivan Mazepa to Ochakiv fortress after Poltava battle, level of Cossacks' military art. It studies complicated border relations around the fortress within 40-50's of XVIII century, participation of Ukrainian Cossacks in military campaigns during Russian-Turkish wars in years 1768-1774 and 1787-1791. Historical facts stated in the dissertation are given information about foreign-policy assignment of Russia in the second half of XVIII century and solving of Black Sea problem. Cossacks regimental foremen took an active part in Russian-Turkish wars of XVIII century, in military intelligence operations in the fortress and around it. In the present dissertation is overlooked historical process of conquest of Northern area attached to Black Sea and fortress Ochakov, thanks to which Russia obtained free access through the Black Sea to European market and acquired advantage international positions.