ABSTRACT
Since independence, Ukrainian politicians and public opinion have been evenly split between those who desire to be part of the Euro-Atlantic (EU and NATO) community and those who gravitate toward Eurasia (Russia and CIS). During the 1990s, Ukraine was able to have it both ways. Now they no longer can. Not only is Russia more autocratic and meddling, aggravating Ukrainian political instability, but also many Europeans find Ukraine less appealing as a potential (NATO–EU) integration partner. Under these circumstances, the challenge is to provide Ukraine with sufficient time to consolidate democratic governance and to develop a consensus on its strategic direction.
