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Foreign relations of Ukraine

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Foreign relations of Ukraine

This article is about the foreign relations of Ukraine. For a chronological list of diplomatic relations established, see List of diplomatic relations of Ukraine.

Ukraine has formal relations with many nations and in recent decades has been establishing diplomatic relations with an expanding circle of nations. The foreign relations of Ukraine are guided by a number of key priorities outlined in the foreign policy of Ukraine.

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Countries with which Ukraine (marked with red) has diplomatic relations.

Western relations

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Perspective

Ukraine considers Euro-Atlantic integration its primary foreign policy objective, but in practice balances its relationship with Europe and the United States while attempting to sever its considerable ties to Russia. The European Union's Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with Ukraine went into force on March 1, 1998. The European Union (EU) has encouraged Ukraine to implement the PCA fully before discussions begin on an association agreement. The EU Common Strategy toward Ukraine, issued at the EU Summit in December 1999 in Helsinki, recognizes Ukraine's long-term aspirations but does not discuss association.[1]

On January 31, 1992, Ukraine joined the then-Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (now the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe—OSCE), and on March 10, 1992, it became a member of the North Atlantic Cooperation Council. Ukraine also has a close relationship with NATO and has declared interest in eventual membership. It is the most active member of the Partnership for Peace (PfP). Former President Viktor Yushchenko indicated that he supports Ukraine joining the EU in the future. Plans for Ukrainian membership to NATO were shelved by Ukraine following the 2010 Ukrainian presidential election in which Viktor Yanukovych was elected President.[1]

Yanukovych opted to keep Ukraine a non-aligned state.[2] This materialized on June 3, 2010 when the Ukrainian parliament (Verkhovna Rada) excluded, with 226 votes, the goal of "integration into Euro-Atlantic security and NATO membership" from the country's national security strategy giving the country a non-aligned status.[3][4] "European integration" has remained part of Ukraine's national security strategy and co-operation with NATO was not excluded.[4]

Ukraine then considered relations with NATO as a partnership.[5][6] Ukraine and NATO continued to hold joint seminars and joint tactical and strategical exercises.[7][8] After February 2014's Yanukovych ouster and the Russian annexation of Crimea, the nation has renewed its drive for NATO membership.[3] On 23 December 2014 the Verkhovna Rada abolished, with 303 votes, Ukraine's non-aligned status.[3]

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Diplomatic missions of Ukraine

Bilateral security agreements

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Long-term bilateral security agreements of Ukraine since 2024.
  Ukraine
  Russian Federation (has been invading Ukraine since 2014; full-scale invasion since 24 February 2022)
  States having signed long-term bilateral security agreements with Ukraine since 2024 (including United States, Canada, Japan; not on map)
  EU member states indirectly included in the 27 June 2024 long-term bilateral security agreement between the European Union and Ukraine

In early 2024, following the 24 February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, a number of allies of Ukraine signed long-term bilateral security treaties with Ukraine for many years to come (often a period of 10 years).[9] They resulted from a declaration by the G7 countries at a NATO Summit in Washington on 12 July 2023, concluding the establishment of a framework of bilateral security agreements of long-term military, materiel and economic support for Ukraine's defence. [9] The bilateral agreements prioritised strengthening Ukrainian air defence systems, artillery, long-range strike capabilities, armour, and combat aviation to fend off Russian military aggression.[9]

  • 12 January 2024: The United Kingdom signed a 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreement with Ukraine.[10]
  • 16 February 2024: France and Germany signed 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreements with Ukraine.[11][12]
  • 23 February 2024: Denmark signed a 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreement with Ukraine.[13]
  • 24 February 2024: Canada and Italy signed 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreements with Ukraine.[14][15]

Since then, another 30 countries have announced that they were ready to sign such long-term bilateral security agreements with Ukraine as well and are currently negotiating to do so.[9] As of October 2024, parties negotiating long-term bilateral security agreements with Ukraine included Montenegro[16] and South Korea.[17] 28 countries as well as the European Union had already concluded bilateral security treaties with Ukraine.[18]

  • 1 March 2024: The Netherlands signed a 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreement with Ukraine.[19][18]
  • 3 April 2024: Finland signed a 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreement with Ukraine.[20]
  • 11 April 2024: Latvia signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement with Ukraine.[21]
  • 27 May 2024: Spain signed a 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreement with Ukraine.[22]
  • 28 May 2024: Belgium and Portugal signed 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreements with Ukraine.[23][24]
  • 31 May 2024: Sweden, Norway and Iceland signed 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreements with Ukraine.[25][26][27]
  • 13 June 2024: The United States and Japan signed 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreements with Ukraine.[28][29]
  • 27 June 2024: Estonia, Lithuania and the European Union signed 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreements with Ukraine.[30][31][32]
  • 8 July 2024: Poland signed a 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreement with Ukraine.[33]
  • 10 July 2024: Luxembourg signed a 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreement with Ukraine.[34]
  • 11 July 2024: Romania signed a 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreement with Ukraine.[35]
  • 18 July 2024: Czech Republic and Slovenia signed 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreements with Ukraine.[36][37]
  • 4 September 2024: Ireland signed a 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreement with Ukraine.[38]
  • 9 October 2024: Croatia signed a 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreement with Ukraine.[39]
  • 17 October 2024: Greece signed a 10-year bilateral security and defense cooperation agreement with Ukraine, on the sidelines of the European Council in Brussels.[40]
  • 27 November 2024: The caretaker government of Bulgaria approved a 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreement with Ukraine.[41] The signing of the agreement was however postponed until an unspecified date in 2025,[42][43][44] due to the largest Bulgarian party (GERB-SDS) only giving their approval for a subsequent (yet to be formed) regular government to sign it, while they rejected the request to give approval for a caretaker government to sign it.[45][46]
  • 16 January 2025: United Kingdom signed a 100-year bilateral security cooperation agreement with Ukraine.[47]
  • 21 January 2025: Albania signed a 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreement with Ukraine.[48]

Relations with CIS states

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Ukraine's relations with Russia had been complicated by energy dependence and by payment arrears. However, relations improved with the 1998 ratification of the bilateral Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. The two sides have signed a series of agreements on the final division and disposition of the former Soviet Black Sea Fleet that helped to reduce tensions. However, Ukraine cut diplomatic relations with Russia as a response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[49]

Ukraine became a (non-official) member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) on December 8, 1991. In January 1993 it refused to endorse a draft charter strengthening political, economic, and defense ties among CIS members, and completely ceased to participate as a member in March 2014. Ukraine was a founding member of GUAM (Georgia-Ukraine-Azerbaijan-Moldova).

In 1999–2001, Ukraine served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Soviet Ukraine joined the United Nations in 1945 as one of the original members following a Western compromise with the Soviet Union, which had asked for seats for all 15 of its union republics. Ukraine has consistently supported peaceful, negotiated settlements to disputes. It has participated in the quadripartite talks on the conflict in Moldova and promoted a peaceful resolution to conflict in the post-Soviet state of Georgia.

Leonid Derkach (chairman of the SBU, which is Ukraine's security service, successor to the KGB) was fired due to Western pressure after he organized the sale of radar systems to Iraq while such sales were embargoed.[50]

International disputes

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Belarus

Further information: Belarus–Ukraine relations

The 1997 boundary treaty with Belarus remains un-ratified due to unresolved financial claims, stalling demarcation and reducing border security.

Russia

Further information: Russia–Ukraine relations

Delimitation of the land boundary with Russia is incomplete, but the parties have agreed to defer demarcation. The maritime boundary through the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait remains unresolved despite a December 2003 framework agreement and ongoing expert-level discussions. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin allegedly declared at a NATO-Russia summit in 2008 that if Ukraine would join NATO his country can contend to annex the Ukrainian East and Crimea. As of April 2024, Russia has annexed the Crimean peninsula and partly four other regions of Ukraine: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.[51]

Starting in November 2013, the decision by Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to back out of signing an integration agreement with the European Union started a period of civil unrest between Ukrainians who favored integration with the European Union and those who wanted closer ties with Russia. This culminated in the Revolution of Dignity. Russia took advantage of this political instability to annex Crimea in March 2014, though Ukraine still claims sovereignty over the territory by any kind of international law. Russia has also allegedly supported quasi-separatist forces in the war in Donbas. In December 2015 Russian hackers reportedly hacked Ukraine's power grids leading to a blackout and widespread terror.

On 24 February 2022, diplomatic relations were cut with Russia as a response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[49]

Moldova

Further information: Moldova–Ukraine relations

Moldova and Ukraine have established joint customs posts to monitor transit through Moldova's break-away Transnistria Region which remains under OSCE supervision.

Romania

Further information: Romania–Ukraine relations

Ukraine and Romania have settled their dispute over the Ukrainian-administered Zmiyinyy (Snake) Island and the Black Sea maritime boundary at the International Court of Justice. The 2010 CIA World Factbook states that "Romania opposes Ukraine's reopening of a navigation canal from the Danube border through Ukraine to the Black Sea".[52]

Investment promotion

State enterprise InvestUkraine was created[53] under the State Agency for Investment and National Projects (National Projects)[54] to serve as a One Stop Shop for investors and to deliver investment consulting services.

Relations by country

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Multilateral

See also: International membership of Ukraine
More information Organization, Formal relations began ...
Organization Formal relations began Notes
 European UnionDecember 1991[55] See Ukraine–European Union relations, Accession of Ukraine to the European Union

The Eastern Partnership is meant to complement the Northern Dimension by providing an institutionalized forum for discussing visa agreements, free trade deals and strategic partnership agreements with the EU's eastern neighbours.

 United Nations1945[56] See Economic Commission of Europe, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
 NATO1991[57] See Ukraine–NATO relations, Partnership for Peace program, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council
 Commonwealth of Independent States21 December 1991[58] See Ukraine–Commonwealth of Independent States relations

Ukraine is a signatory of both the Belovezh Accords and Alma-Ata Protocol; however, it has never ratified either agreement and has never been a member of the CIS.[citation needed] Largely ceased to participate in the CIS from 2014, and withdrew representatives from all CIS statutory bodies in 2018 as a result of the Russo-Ukrainian War.[59]

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Africa

More information Country, Formal relations began ...
Country Formal relations began Notes
 Algeria20 August 1992[60] See Algeria–Ukraine relations
  • Algeria recognized Ukraine's independence in 1992.
  • Algeria has an embassy in Kyiv.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Algiers (opened in 1999).[61]
  • Military and trade agreements between the two countries were signed in 1993 and 1994.[61]
 Botswana3 March 2004[60]
  • Botswana recognized Ukraine's independence on February 11, 1992.[62]
 Cape Verde25 March 1992[60]
 CAR14 September 1995[60]See Central African Republic–Ukraine relations
 Comoros23 July 1993[60]
 Egypt25 January 1992[60]See Egypt–Ukraine relations
  • Since 1993, Egypt has an embassy in Kyiv.
  • Since 1993, Ukraine has an embassy in Cairo and an honorary consulate in Alexandria.
 Guinea4 April 1992[60]
  • Ukraine has shown support for military dictatorships in Guinea by supplying the militia of Moussa Dadis Camara.[66]
 Guinea-Bissau12 February 2009[60]
 Kenya5 May 1993[60]See Kenya–Ukraine relations
  • Kenya is accredited to Ukraine from its embassy in Moscow, Russia.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Nairobi.
 MalawiDecember 22 1998[60]
  • Malawi is accredited to Ukraine from its embassy in Berlin, Germany.
  • Ukraine is accredited to Malawi from its embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.
  • The presidents of Ukraine and Malawi, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Lazarus Chakwera, spoke on the phone for the first time ever in the history of bilateral relations on August 4, 2022. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Lazarus Chakwera urged Russia to withdraw from Ukraine.[67]
 Mauritania30 September 1992[60]
  • Mauritania is represented in Ukraine by its embassy in Moscow, Russia.[68]
  • On 24 May 2024, Ukraine opened its embassy in Mauritania.[69] Until 2024, Ukraine was represented in Mauritania by its embassy in Rabat, Morocco.[68][70]
 South Africa16 March 1992[60]See South Africa–Ukraine relations
  • South Africa established its embassy in Kyiv in October 1992.[71]
  • Ukraine established its embassy in Pretoria in 1995.[72]
 Sudan4 June 1992[73] See Sudan-Ukraine relations
  • Sudan has an embassy in Kyiv.
 Tunisia24 June 1992[60]
  • Tunisia recognized Ukraine's independence on December 25, 1991.[62]
 Uganda7 September 1994[60]
 Zambia22 April 1993[60] See Ukraine–Zambia relations
  • Zambia recognized Ukraine's independence on December 30, 1991.[62]
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Americas

More information Country, Formal relations began ...
Country Formal relations began Notes
 Argentina6 January 1992[76] See Argentina–Ukraine relations
 Belize1 October 1999[80]
 Bolivia8 February 1992[82]
 Brazil11 February 1992[84] See Brazil–Ukraine relations
 Canada27 January 1992[88]See Canada–Ukraine relations
 Cuba12 March 1992[91]
  • Cuba has an embassy in Kyiv.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Havana.
 Dominica25 April 2019[92]
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on April 25, 2019.[93][94][95][96]
  • The two countries also signed a visa waver agreement.[97]
 El Salvador14 April 1999[98] See El Salvador–Ukraine relations
 Guyana15 November 2001[99]
 Honduras17 September 2002[76]
 Mexico14 January 1992[100] See Mexico–Ukraine relations
 Panama21 May 1993[103]
 Paraguay26 February 1993[76]
  • Paraguay is represented in Ukraine through its embassy in Moscow (Russia).[104]
  • Ukraine is represented in Paraguay through its embassy in Buenos Aires (Argentina) and an honorary consulate in Asuncion.
  • There is an important community of people of Ukrainian origins in Paraguay (between 10,000 and 15,000 people), most of whom arrived at the beginning of the 20th century. (See also Ukrainians in Paraguay)
 Peru7 May 1992[76]
Main article: Peru–Ukraine relations
  • Peru is accredited to Ukraine from its embassy in Moscow, Russia.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Lima.
 United States3 January 1992[105]See Ukraine–United States relations
 Uruguay18 May 1992[76] See Ukraine–Uruguay relations
 Venezuela29 September 1993[110]See Ukraine–Venezuela relations
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Asia

More information Country, Formal relations began ...
Country Formal relations began Notes
 Armenia25 December 1991[112] See Armenia–Ukraine relations
  • Armenian-Ukrainian relations have lasted for centuries and today are cordial.
  • Armenian communities existed in the medieval Kyivian State as far back as the 12th century. These communities developed into Armenian settlements.[113]
  • Armenia has an embassy in Kyiv and consulates in Odesa, Kharkiv, Ternopil, and Cherkasy.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Yerevan.[114]
 Azerbaijan6 February 1992[115]See Azerbaijan–Ukraine relations
  • Azerbaijan plays an important role in the foreign policy of Ukraine due to its strategic role. Both countries are among the founding members of GUAM and after their independence from the Soviet Union, they have remained close. The relations of strategic cooperation, political, economical, and cultural relations between two countries are at a high level.
  • Azerbaijan has an embassy in Kyiv.[116]
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Baku.[117]
  • There are about 32,000 Ukrainians who live in Azerbaijan, and there are over 45,000 Azerbaijanis in Ukraine.
  • The two countries support each other in entering international organizations.[118]
  • Ukraine supports the peaceful resolution of the conflict of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the framework of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and is ready to take part in possible peacekeeping operation under the mandate of the United Nations.
 Bahrain20 July 1992[60] See Bahrain–Ukraine relations
 Bangladesh24 February 1992[119]See Bangladesh–Ukraine relations
 Brunei3 October 1997[119]See Brunei–Ukraine relations


 Cambodia23 April 1992See Cambodia–Ukraine relations
 China4 January 1992[119]See China–Ukraine relations
  • China has an embassy in Kyiv and a consulate-general in Odesa.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Beijing and a consulate-general in Shanghai.
  • Chinese Ukrainian trade relations have intensified since 2008[120] and are growing; for instance various Chinese companies are interested in investing in the construction of a large orbital road around Kyiv and in building a number of bridges across the Dnipro River.[121] China intends to provide a loan of 25 million yuan (about USD 3.7 million) to Ukraine.[122]
  • Ukraine has also begun providing China with jet engines for military aircraft.[123][124]
 Georgia22 July 1992[125]See Georgia–Ukraine relations

Since their independence from the Soviet Union, both countries consider each other as strategic partners and have forged close political and cultural relations. During the Shevardnadze era, the Georgian government maintained its close relations with Ukraine. In April 1993, Georgia and Ukraine signed 20 documents, including a treaty on friendship and cooperation.[126] However, the relationship has further enhanced after Rose Revolution in Georgia and Orange Revolution in Ukraine. During the Orange Revolutions, many Georgians rallied in Kyiv in support of Viktor Yushchenko. Both countries maintain pro-western political orientation and aspire to join NATO and the European Union.

The close friendship between Presidents Mikheil Saakashvili and Viktor Yushchenko has also played an important role in recent political and cultural unity of the two countries. However, the cultural and political unity between two nations existed long ago. There are many cultural events in both courtiers, celebrating close relations between Georgian and Ukrainian people. In 2007, Georgians unveiled a statue to Taras Shevchenko in Tbilisi while Ukrainians erected the statue of Georgia's epic poet Shota Rustaveli in Kyiv.

 India17 January 1992[119]See India–Ukraine relations
  • The Indian Embassy in Kyiv was opened in May 1992 and Ukraine opened its Mission in New Delhi in February 1993. The Consulate General of India in Odesa functioned from 1962 till its closure in March 1999.
 Indonesia11 June 1992[119]See Indonesia–Ukraine relations
  • Indonesia has an embassy in Kyiv.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Jakarta.
 Iran 22 January 1992[127] See Iran–Ukraine relations
 Iraq16 December 1992[60]See Iraq–Ukraine relations
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Baghdad and Iraq has an embassy in Kyiv.
  • A small contingent of Ukrainians operated in Iraq in the wake of the invasion of Iraq mainly concerning police work and reconstruction.
 Israel26 December 1991[60]See Israel–Ukraine relations
 Japan26 January 1992[119]See Japan–Ukraine relations
  • Japan extended recognition to the Ukrainian state on December 28, 1991, immediately after the breakup of the Soviet Union.
  • Ukraine maintains an embassy in Tokyo.[132]
  • Japan maintains an embassy in Kyiv.[133]
 Kazakhstan23 July 1992[119]See Kazakhstan–Ukraine relations
 Lebanon14 December 1992[60]See Lebanon–Ukraine relations
  • Lebanon has an embassy in Kyiv.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Beirut.
 Malaysia3 March 1992[119]See Malaysia–Ukraine relations
 Myanmar19 January 1999[139]See Myanmar–Ukraine relations
 North Korea Diplomatic relations severed 13 July 2022[140][141]
Main article: North Korea–Ukraine relations
  • North Korea recognised independent Ukraine on 9 January 1992.
  • Ukraine has been shown to have sold rocket engines used for missiles to North Korea.[123][142]
  • Ukraine cut diplomatic ties with North Korea on 13 July 2022 after North Korea recognized the independence of the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, and has since withdrew the recognition of North Korea as they referred "Korea" as the Republic of Korea on the list of foreign diplomatic missions listed on Ukrainian MFA website.[143]
 Pakistan16 March 1992[119]See Pakistan–Ukraine relations
  • Pakistan recognized Ukraine's independence in 1991.
  • Pakistan has an embassy in Kyiv.[144]
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Islamabad.[145]
  • Ukraine and Pakistan have been cooperating with each other in educational sector as well as cultural exchanges. Pakistan and Ukraine are also heavily cooperating with each other in aerospace engineering, aerospace technologies, bio-medical sciences and science and technology.
 Palestine2 November 2001[60]See Palestine–Ukraine relations
 Philippines7 April 1992[119]See Philippines–Ukraine relations
  • The Philippines recognized Ukraine's independence on 22 January 1992.
  • The Philippines is represented in Ukraine through its embassy in Moscow (Russia).
  • Ukraine is represented in the Philippines through its embassy in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
  • Ukraine will open an embassy in Manila in 2024.[146]
 Saudi Arabia14 April 1993[60]See Saudi Arabia–Ukraine relations
  • Saudi Arabia recognized Ukraine's independence in 1992.
  • Saudi Arabia is represented in Ukraine through its embassy in Moscow (Russia).
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Riyadh and an honorary consulate in Jeddah.[147]
  • In January 2003, Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma made an official visit to Saudi Arabia.
 Singapore31 March 1992[119]See Singapore–Ukraine relations
  • Singapore recognized Ukraine's independence on January 2, 1992.
  • Singapore is represented in Ukraine through its embassy in Moscow (Russia).[148]
  • Since December 2002, Ukraine has an embassy and an honorary consulate in Singapore.[149]
  • In 2007, the two countries commenced negotiations for a free trade agreement.[150] In 2006, Ukraine was Singapore's 55th largest trading partner last year, with total trade amounting to S$774 million[151]
  • In 2007, the two countries signed a double taxation agreement.[152]
 South Korea10 February 1992[153]See South Korea–Ukraine relations
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Seoul.[154]
  • South Korea has an embassy in Kyiv.[155]
  • Since 13 July 2022, Ukraine has recognized the Republic of Korea as the sole legitimate government in the Korean Peninsula.
 SyriaDiplomatic relations severed 30 June 2022[60][156]
  • Syria recognised independent Ukraine on 28 December 1991 and established relations since March 31, 1992.
  • Relations were positive until 2011, but have been on pause since then.[157]
  • Ukraine had an embassy in Damascus before it was closed in 2016.
  • Ukraine cut diplomatic ties with Syria on 29 June 2022 after Syria recognized the independence of the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk.
  • After the fall of the Assad regime, on 30 December 2024, Ukraine and Syria moved to reestablish the partnership and diplomatic relations between countries.[158][159]
 TaiwanNo official relations De facto relations[160]See Taiwan–Ukraine relations
  • After the fall of the Soviet Union, Taiwan tried to establish diplomatic relationships with Ukraine before China but ultimately failed after two diplomatic visits by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Chiang Hsiao-yen.
  • During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Taiwan sent 27 tons of humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
 Thailand6 May 1992[119]See Thailand–Ukraine relations
  • Thailand is represented in Ukraine through its consulate in Kyiv.[161]
  • Ukraine has an embassy and an honorary consulate in Bangkok.
 Turkey3 February 1992[162]See Turkey–Ukraine relations

Turkey and Ukraine have a long chronology of historical, geographic, and cultural contact. Diplomatic relations between both countries were established in the early 1990s when Turkey became one of the first states in the world to announce officially their recognition of sovereign Ukraine.

 United Arab Emirates15 October 1992
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate in Dubai.
  • United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Kyiv.
 Uzbekistan25 August 1992[119]See Ukraine–Uzbekistan relations
 Vietnam23 January 1992[119]See Ukraine–Vietnam relations
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Europe

Further information: Accession of Ukraine to the European Union and Ukraine–European Union relations

Ukraine and all UN member states in Europe, except Belarus and Kazakhstan, are members of the Council of Europe.[165]

More information Country, Formal relations began ...
Country Formal relations began Notes
 Albania13 January 1993[166] See Albania–Ukraine relations
 Andorra 19 April 1996[167] See Andorra–Ukraine relations
 Austria24 January 1992[168] See Austria–Ukraine relations
 Belarus27 December 1991[167]See Belarus–Ukraine relations
 Belgium10 March 1992[171]See Belgium–Ukraine relations
  • Belgium has an embassy in Kyiv; Ukraine has an embassy in Brussels and two honorary consulates (in Antwerp and Mons).
  • Although politically the two nations are not closely connected, they have a long history of economic integration and trade, with Belgian investment playing a role in the contemporary Ukrainian economy. As of 2008, trade revenue generated between the two nations accounted for approximately USD1 billion.
 Bosnia and Herzegovina30 January 1993[172]
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina is represented in Ukraine through its embassy in Budapest (Hungary).[173]
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Sarajevo.[174]
 Bulgaria13 December 1991[175]See Bulgaria–Ukraine relations
 Croatia18 February 1992[177]See Croatia–Ukraine relations
  • Croatia has an embassy in Kyiv.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Zagreb.
 Cyprus19 February 1992[178]
  • The Cypriot embassy in Berlin (Germany) is also accredited as a non-resident embassy to Ukraine. Cyprus also has two honorary consulates (in Kyiv and in Mariupol).[179]
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Nicosia and an honorary consulate in Limassol.[180]
 Czech Republic18 February 1992[181]See Czech Republic–Ukraine relations
  • The Czech Republic has an embassy in Kyiv.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Prague.
 Denmark12 February 1992[182]See Denmark–Ukraine relations
  • Denmark has an embassy in Kyiv.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Copenhagen.
 Estonia4 January 1992[183]See Estonia–Ukraine relations
 Finland26 February 1992[184]See Finland–Ukraine relations
  • Finland has an embassy in Kyiv.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Helsinki.
 France24 January 1992[185]See France–Ukraine relations
 Germany17 January 1992[189]See Germany–Ukraine relations
 Greece15 January 1992[192] See Greece–Ukraine relations
 Holy See 8 February 1992[167] See Holy See–Ukraine relations
 Hungary3 December 1991[193] See Hungary–Ukraine relations
 Iceland30 March 1992[196]
  • Iceland is represented in Ukraine through its embassy in Warsaw (Poland).[197]
  • Ukraine is represented in Iceland through its embassy in Helsinki (Finland) and through an honorary consulate in Reykjavík.[198]
 Ichkeria18 October 2022[199][200]
 Ireland1 April 1992[201]
  • Ireland recognized the Ukrainian state in 1991.
  • Ireland has an embassy in Kyiv.[202]
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Dublin.[203]
  • There are 3,343 Ukrainians living in Ireland.[204]
 Italy29 January 1992[205] See Italy–Ukraine relations
 Latvia12 February 1992[208]See Latvia–Ukraine relations
 Liechtenstein 6 February 1992[167] See Liechtenstein-Ukraine relations
  • Liechtenstein is represented through Switzerland in its embassy in Kyiv.
  • Ukraine is represented through Switzerland in the Embassy of Ukraine, Bern.
 Lithuania12 December 1991[212]See Lithuania–Ukraine relations
 Luxembourg 1 July 1992[167] See Luxembourg–Ukraine relations
 Malta5 March 1992[216]See Malta–Ukraine relations
  • The Maltese embassy in Moscow (Russia) is also accredited as a non-resident embassy to Ukraine.
  • Ukraine is represented in Malta through its embassy in Rome (Italy).
 Moldova27 December 1991[217]See Moldova–Ukraine relations
  • Ukraine opened an embassy in Chișinău and a consulate in Bălți in 2005.[citation needed] The Ukrainian ambassador in Chișinău is Serhiy Pirozhkov.
  • The border between Moldova and Ukraine is 985 kilometers.
  • Ukrainians are the second largest ethnicity group in Moldova after ethnic Moldavians. There are 442,346 Ukrainians in Moldova, which represents 11.2% of the population. Moldavians are the fourth ethnic minority in Ukraine.[citation needed]
  • As of the 2001 Ukrainian Census, there were 258,600 Moldavians in Ukraine[citation needed] – which represents 0,5% of the Ukrainian population. For 70.0% of Moldavian speaking Ukrainians,[citation needed] Russian (17.6%) and Ukrainian (10.7%) are the native languages.
 Monaco 26 July 2007[218]
 Montenegro22 August 2006[219]See Montenegro–Ukraine relations
  • Ukraine recognized the Republic of Montenegro on June 15, 2006.[220] Both countries established diplomatic relations on August 22, 2006.
  • The Ukrainian embassy in Belgrade (Serbia) is accredited as a non resident embassy to Montenegro.
  • In 2008, both countries indicated an intent to open resident embassies.[221]
 Netherlands1 April 1992[222]See Netherlands–Ukraine relations
 North Macedonia 20 April 1995[167] See North Macedonia–Ukraine relations
  • North Macedonia has an embassy in Kyiv.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Skopje.
 Norway5 February 1992[225]See Norway–Ukraine relations
  • Norway recognized Ukraine's independence in 1991.
  • Norway has an embassy in Kyiv.[226]
  • Ukraine has an embassy and an honorary consulate in Oslo.[227]
 Poland4 January 1992[228]See Poland–Ukraine relations
  • Poland was the first country in the world to recognize Ukrainian independence. The relations have been improving since, with Poland and Ukraine forming a strong strategic partnership.[229] Various controversies from their shared history occasionally resurface in Polish–Ukrainian relations, but they do not have a major influence on the bilateral relations of Poland and Ukraine.[230]

Both countries share a border of about 529 km.[231] Poland's acceptance of the Schengen Agreement created problems with the Ukrainian border traffic. On July 1, 2009, an agreement on local border traffic between the two country's came into effect. This agreement enables Ukrainian citizens living in border regions to cross the Polish frontier according to a liberalized procedure.[232]

 Portugal27 January 1992[233]See Portugal–Ukraine relations
  • Portugal recognized Ukraine's independence in 1991.
  • Portugal has an embassy in Kyiv.
  • Ukraine has an embassy and an honorary consulate in Lisbon and a consulate in Porto.[234]
  • There are between 40,000 and 150,000 Ukrainians living in Portugal. [citation needed]
 Romania1 February 1992[235]See Romania–Ukraine relations
 RussiaDiplomatic relations severed 24 February 2022[236][237]See Russia–Ukraine relations

Established relations in February 14,1992 Russia formerly had an embassy in Kyiv and consulates in Kharkiv, Lviv, Odesa and Simferopol. Ukraine had an embassy in Moscow and consulates in Rostov-on-Don, Saint Petersburg, Tyumen and Vladivostok. Relations between the two country's governments have been unfriendly since the presidency of Leonid Kuchma expired. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin allegedly declared at a NATO–Russia summit in 2008 that if Ukraine would join NATO his country could contend to annex the Ukrainian East and Crimea.[51] Some analysts believe that the current Russian leadership is determined to prevent a Russian equivalent of the Ukrainian Orange Revolution in Russia. This mindset is supposed to explain not only Russian domestic policy but its sensitivity over events abroad as well.[238]

Many in Ukraine and beyond believe that Russia has periodically used its vast energy resources to bully its smaller, dependent neighbour, but the Russian Government argues instead that it is internal squabbling amongst Ukraine's political elite that is to blame for the deadlock.[239] Later, Putin stated that the government of the Russian Federation respects the sovereignty of Ukraine, while several Russian parliamentarians as well some governors were urging the liquidation of Ukraine.

Starting in November 2013, the decision by Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to back out of signing an integration agreement with the European Union started a period of civil unrest between Ukrainians who favored integration with the European Union and those who wanted closer ties with Russia, culminating in the Revolution of Dignity. Russia took advantage of this political instability to annex Crimea in March 2014, though Ukraine still claims sovereignty over the territory. Russia has also allegedly supported separatist forces in the war in Donbas. In December 2015, Russian hackers reportedly hacked Ukraine's power grids leading to a blackout and widespread terror. On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine, which prompted Ukraine to break diplomatic ties with the country.[240][241]

 San Marino 24 March 1995[242] See San Marino–Ukraine relations
 Serbia15 April 1994[243]See Serbia–Ukraine relations
  • Serbia recognized Ukraine in December 1991 by the decision on the recognition of the former republics of the Soviet Union.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Belgrade.
  • Serbia has an embassy in Kyiv.
 Slovakia30 January 1993[244]See Slovakia–Ukraine relations
 Slovenia10 March 1992[248] See Slovenia–Ukraine relations
 Spain30 January 1992[252]See Spain–Ukraine relations
  • Spain recognized Ukraine's independence in 1991.
  • Spain has an embassy in Kyiv.[253]
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Madrid and a consulate-general in Barcelona and a consulate in Málaga.[254]
 Sweden13 January 1992[255]See Sweden–Ukraine relations
  • Sweden has an embassy in Kyiv and an honorary consulate in Kakhovka.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Stockholm.
  Switzerland6 February 1992[256]See Switzerland–Ukraine relations
  • Contact between Switzerland and Ukraine goes back to Tsarist times.
  • Switzerland recognized Ukraine in 1991 and immediately opened an embassy in Kyiv.[257]
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Bern.[258][259]
 United Kingdom10 January 1992[260]See Ukraine–United Kingdom relations

Both countries share common membership of the Council of Europe, International Criminal Court, OSCE, Trilateral Security Pact, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have a free trade agreement, a security agreement,[264] and a strategic partnership agreement.[265]

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Oceania

More information Country, Formal relations began ...
Country Formal relations began Notes
 Australia10 January 1992[119] See Australia–Ukraine relations
  • Relations with Australia are currently modest but increasing.
  • Australia and Ukraine have one bilateral treaty on agreement and economical cooperation, signed in March 1998.
  • Ukraine opened an embassy in Canberra in March 2003.[266]
  • Australia has an embassy in Kyiv.
  • [267]
 Micronesia17 September 1999[268]
  • Relations only grew stronger following the Russian Invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Federated States of Micronesia severed diplomatic relations with Russia on 25 February 2022. "The FSM affirms its stalwart support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United Nations, who correctly condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The FSM supports the removal of the Russian Federation in its capacity as president of the United Nations Security Council; Russia remaining there is a façade, as they need to be upholding the international rules-based order instead of undermining it."[269][270]
 New Zealand3 March 1992[119]

See New Zealand–Ukraine relations

  • New Zealand recognized Ukraine as an independent state on 27 February 1992.
  • Since 2015, the New Zealand Embassy in Warsaw (Poland) has been accredited to act as New Zealand's embassy to Ukraine. Since October 2008, the honorary consulate of New Zealand operates in Kyiv. In December 2007, the Embassy of Ukraine in Australia was accredited to act as Ukraine's embassy for New Zealand.
  • In April 2006, New Zealand's Minister for Foreign Affairs paid an official visit to Ukraine.[271]
 Solomon Islands27 September 2011[272]

Ukraine is represented in the Solomon Islands by its embassy in Canberra, Australia.[273]

 Vanuatu29 September 1999[274]

Ukraine is represented in Vanuatu by its embassy in Canberra, Australia.[273]

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Regional blocs

More information Bloc, Countries ...
Bloc Countries
Lublin Triangle Ukraine •  Poland •  Lithuania
Association Trio Ukraine •  Georgia •  Moldova
British–Polish–Ukrainian trilateral pact Ukraine •  Poland •  United Kingdom
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See also

External links

  • Гай-Нижник П. П. Росія проти України (1990–2016 рр.): від політики шантажу і примусу до війни на поглинання та спроби знищення. – К.: «МП Леся», 2017. – 332 с. ISBN 978-617-7530-02-1
  • State Agency for Investment and National Projects website (en)
  • Ukraine: Quo Vadis?, edited by Sabine Fischer, Chaillot Paper No. 108, February 2008, European Union Institute for Security Studies

References

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