MARITIME STRATEGY OF UKRAINE: PRINCIPLES, THREATS AND FUTURE VECTORS OF DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The article analyzes the current situation in the Ukrainian Black Sea region in the context of Russian aggression, expert forecasts regarding the possibility of cooperation with the states of the region in established languages, analyzes possible development vectors based on the “Maritime Strategy of Ukraine” adopted in 2024, and assesses the importance of maintaining Black Sea cooperation as a factor of economic stability and a determining factor of Ukraine’s security in the context of martial law.With the acquisition of independence in 1991, Ukraine needed to create a clear system of bodies to form a new maritime policy, which was to be based on international standards in this area and the needs of the new state.The main goal of Ukraine as a maritime state is the full integration of maritime practice and legislation of Ukraine with European standards. Currently, the Ukrainian state seeks not only to return the lost territories, but also to restore control over the Black and Azov Seas.The Maritime Strategy of Ukraine is an important document that codifies a set of measures necessary to preserve Ukraine’s status in the Black Sea in the context of Russian aggression, the loss of significant coastal territories (which includes the economic and transit potential of ports, military bases, sea shelves, etc.), and currently requires the creation of a new action plan in the difficult conditions of the Russian Federation’s attempts to create conditions for the destruction or significant reduction of the maritime potential of our state. The latest maritime strategy makes it possible to operate more quickly and promptly defend Ukraine’s interests by harmonizing them with international treaties, counteract hostile narratives, create clarity for Ukraine’s position in the future world, and opens up significant opportunities to create new ties with foreign security organizations and, above all, NATO.