Russia-Ukraine: retrospective of post-soviet relations

Relations between Ukraine and Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union developed in an atmosphere of mistrust and confrontation. The main problems of the first period were part of the Black Sea Fleet basing its definition of the place, the status of the Kerch Strait. Pain points were relations issues in Europe for transporting Russian gas exports. The Ukrainian side is constantly required to reduce gas prices, threatening to block the pipeline. The statehood of the country was based on the anti-Russian slogans, actively supported the nationalist, russophobic sentiments in society. Domestic policy was in the hands of the local oligarchy, enriched by privatization of State property. Nationalists demanded exclusion of the Russian language from public circulation, which has met resistance to the Russian-speaking population is about 40% of the population. The current regime installed in Kiev, called the active opposition of the inhabitants of Donetsk and Lugansk regions, have proclaimed their own national education. Autonomous Republic of Crimea as a result of the national referendum came from Ukraine and became part of the Russian Federation.