The dissertation work is devoted to a comprehensive study of the evolutionary processes of Ukraine – NATO relations in a historical and security aspect from 1991 to 2019, the patterns, main trends and specifics of the complex transition from cooperation to strategic partnership by determining and analyzing the subjective milestones and optimizing interaction parameters and prospects with regard to the establishment of a new world order system. It is shown that Ukraine's accession to the Alliance is an inevitable option in the context of the modern international and regional situation, and it will mark a new historical stage in the dynamic development of cooperation between Ukraine and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the interests of national and regional security, stability in Europe and the world. It becomes apparent that under the conditions of the temporary occupation of Crimea by Russia, the war in Donbas, and subsequently the resolution of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, the proposed scientific topic becomes especially relevant.
The author's historiographical concept of the topic comprises two stages: the first – the beginning of the 1990s – the late 1990s, and the second – the beginning of the 2000s to the present day. It should be noted that the issue raised has not yet been the subject of a comprehensive separate study. The work emphasizes that it has found partial consideration in historical science, and it is from these considerations that the role and place of Ukraine-NATO interaction, especially in light of the Russian-Ukrainian war, will require further study in the near future.
The current relations between Ukraine and NATO are based on institutional and legal foundations, which have gone through a difficult path within the framework of the Partnership for Peace program, the Charter on a Distinctive Partnership, and other formats of cooperation, up to the legalization of the Euro-Atlantic course in the Constitution of Ukraine. It has been established that the Alliance's relations with Ukraine gained intensity after the Orange Revolution, the Revolution of Dignity, and especially the Russian-Ukrainian war. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that Ukrainian historiography has proposed its own author's periodization of Ukraine's relations with NATO in the present day. The main components of the development of Ukrainian-NATO relations consist of six stages, namely: the first: 1991–1997; the second: 1998–2000; the third: 2001–2004; the fourth: 2004–2009; the fifth: 2010–2019; the sixth: 2019–2021. It should be noted that the chronologically defined periods are outlined schematically, as the historical and political events of the evolution of Ukraine – NATO relations during the studied period occur several years earlier or later. Throughout the entire history of the development of relations between Ukraine and NATO, there has been an evolution of their content and forms, normative and legal support for activities in accordance with the requirements and demands of the time.
The study of the process of Ukraine – NATO relations in the historical and security context during the period of 1991–2019, conducted on modern scientific-methodological and source-study principles, convincingly states that cooperation has intensified. The author substantiates their own vision of the topic based on sufficient historical materials. The problem of Ukraine – NATO relations, the evolution of cooperation, and security issues are comprehensively studied in the historical and security aspects. It is proven that in this context, the interaction between them is primarily subordinate to the needs of maximum strengthening of the defense capability of the Ukrainian state, reforming its Armed Forces and other military and defense structures of the country, compliance with the organization's standards, searching for more effective guarantees of national security and restoring the territorial integrity of the state.
According to the author, the interaction between Ukraine and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the military-security sphere has the following main components: military-political dialogue and military-technical practical cooperation. The first is ensured through bilateral contacts at all levels and is a key element of Ukraine's relations with NATO. The second is carried out in accordance with the Annual National Cooperation Programs developed each year, aimed primarily at improving the strategic and defense sectors, increasing the interoperability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the Alliance, and addressing issues related to defense reform.
