Ukraine in the Transnistrian Settlement (1992-2014)

Abstract

Southeast region of Europe is firmly entrenched in the zone of interests of European and nonEuropean states, with Transnistria, due to its geographical location, turning into a strategically important subject in the twenty-first century. In the changing environment of global and regional political powers correlation this land is becoming of particular importance to regional players such as Russia, Romania, and Ukraine. In addition, Transnistria is the territory of the frozen conflict, and its prolonged settlement plays an important part in the foreign policy of these states. This article will focus on the Transnistrian settlement within the Ukrainian political discourse. The process lasting for already over 20 years is observed through periods corresponding to certain stages of Ukrainian participation in problem solving what allows drawing a line of Ukraine’s foreign policy on that path. Since there were the two countries originally brought to the mediation mission, to consider the Ukrainian policy isolated from the steps taken by the Russian authorities would not be sufficient to assess the entire spectrum of challenges faced by the states guarantors, and the implementation of their decisions. The article also discusses the possible settlement options offered by Ukrainian authors on the basis of compliance of the first with state interests of Ukraine.