Gnatyuk M. Russian Geostrategy towards Ukraine (1991 - 2008): Sources of Conduct.

In the dissertation are in a complex investigated sources, character and directions of evolution of Russian geostrategic course towards Ukraine. On the bases of theoretical assumption of neorealist and neoclassical realist theory and with empirical evidence to some general trends within the public debate over "Ukrainian geopolitical question" the author formulates an appropriate explanatory model. Therein, all key variables are introduced which contribute to the general understanding of the dynamics of Russia' geostrategy during the crucial period from 1991 to 2008. Within the model, the structure of the international system in Europe sets the framework for Russia's international action. These structural conditions of Russian-Ukrainian regional security environment are permissive but not determined to geostrategic goals towards Ukraine.