Ukraine between East and West: geopolitical options and constraints

The aim of the study is to analyze the key problems of geopolitical choices, which are ambiguously interpreted in the scientific literature and cause a certain resonance among the Ukrainian population, forecasting the prospects of Ukraine's further pursuit towards the West or the East. Methodology. The author used general scientific empirical (description) and theoretical (analysis, synthesis, generalization, induction, explanation) research methods. He touched upon the sensitive issues of Ukrainian history in the context of the future choice of Ukraine. Originality. Analyzing the three decades of Ukrainian independence in the context of Ukrainian security policy, the author advances the thesis that, from the moment of independence to the present day, Ukraine has not developed a uniform line as to the direction and method to guarantee its security. The actions taken essentially boiled down to a sinusoidal transition between East and West. They were the aftermath of the current political situation, and sometimes of the immediate interests of the option in power. Scientific novelty. The state of state security reflects the complex structure of the functioning of a given country in the geopolitical environment. Each state has the right to choose its national and historical identification. The multidimensionality and complexity of the factors influencing the constantly occurring changes in the security environment, dictated by the political, economic, social and information factors, are a source of threats to the security of the country. That is why international relations are the element that binds together the security of every state. Choosing the right geopolitical option and turning it into a reality is essential for Ukraine. It is the choice of values, political institutions, the economic system, economic efficiency, the structure of social relations, and the role of the individual in society. In fact, this choice may determine the existence of Ukraine as a sovereign and free society. Conclusions. After gaining independence, Ukraine faced a serious dilemma regarding ensuring security. An additional problem was the choice of choosing the path to the West or building common relations with the East. However, fears of Russian reintegration efforts resulted in Kyiv's apparent reluctance to engage in institutional forms of cooperation under the eastern option. At the same time, the road to the west, i.e. integration with the EU, has become a challenge for the Ukrainian authorities.