BELARUS IN UKRAINIAN GEOPOLITICAL DOCTRINES OF THE FIRST HALF OF THE 20TH CENTURY

Abstract

The views of Ukrainian geopolitics theorists of the first half of the 20th century on the prospects for relations between the independent states of Ukraine and Belarus are analyzed.
It is found that the use of the territory of Belarus for open Russian aggression attracted the attention of domestic scientists and politicians to the problem of the prospects for Ukrainian-Belarusian relations.
It is proved that the theoretical heritage of Ukrainian thinkers of the first half of the 20th century can be used to form a holistic foreign policy concept of relations between Ukraine and its northern neighbor. According to S. Rudnytsky and Yu. Lypa, the basis of Ukrainian-Belarusian relations is history and geographical space. Belarus did not emerge as an independent state due to the lack of access to the seas, believed Ukrainian geopolitics theorists of the first half of the 20th century. This poses a threat to the state existence of Ukraine and the realization of its own geopolitical role. Yu. Lypa believes that the largest river network of Belarus - the Dnieper with its tributaries - makes Belarusian territory part of the Black Sea communication space. Ukraine is the “vault” of this space, and Belarus is its “helmet”. Ukraine, controlling the Northern Black Sea Region, provides Belarus with a reliable connection to the Black Sea communication space. An independent Belarusian state is an important condition for the security of Ukraine’s northern borders.
It is emphasized that an independent Belarusian state is an important factor in Ukraine’s realization of its geopolitical destiny – to be the basis of political stability and economic development of the Black Sea region, as one of the most important centers of world trade, communication, and politics.
It is established that Ukrainian theorists of geopolitics of the first half of the 20th century include Belarus in the unions of which Ukraine should become a member: Yu. Lypa to the Union of the Peoples of the Black Sea, S. Rudnytskyi to the Baltic-Pontic Federation.
The main condition for the implementation of their ideas is the restoration of a democratic political regime in Belarus and the free choice of its historical destiny by the Belarusian people.