Celem artykułu jest analiza ruchów etnopolitycznych mniejszości rosyjskiej w krajach poradzieckich po aneksji Krymu do Rosji i próba odpowiedzi na pytanie badawcze: na ile aneksja Krymu wywołała i/lub wzmocniła wśród mniejszości rosyjskiej żyjącej w tych państwach tendencje separatystyczne. Autorka analizuje aktywność Rosjan w wybranych b. republikach ZSRR, wskazując na ich zachowania wobec aneksji i aktywność w ramach organizacji, w których funkcjonują. W uwagach końcowych dochodzi do wniosku, że na skutek aneksji Krymu ruchy etnopolityczne mniejszości rosyjskiej na obszarze poradzieckim będą jeszcze silniej przeciwstawiać się dyskryminacji ludności rosyjskiej i aktywniej walczyć o jej prawa. Dotychczasowa aktywność Rosjan na obszarze poradzieckim pozwala sądzić, że będą oni nadal działać na rzecz realizacji swoich celów, przy tym działalność ta (także o charakterze separatystycznym) będzie uzależniona w znacznym stopniu od polityki wewnętrznej władz państwa, w którym żyją, a także od polityki Kremla wobec rodaków za granicą.

The annexation of Crimea is not an ordinary event in contemporary international relations. Since WWII, there has been no precedent in Europe when one state under dubious premises has forcefully annexed a part of another state. This article scrutinizes the Crimean case in the context of the ongoing Ukrainian crisis and uncovers the rationale behind Russia’s aggressive policies in the Black Sea Region. To accomplish this task, several steps have been undertaken. Primarily, the recent speeches of Russian officials and Kremlin-originated documents have been analyzed. Secondly, the tactics favored by the Kremlin to achieve its geopolitical goals have been explained and assessed (through applying frameworks of meta-geography and soft power security). Thirdly, the future prospects for Crimea with its gradual transformation in the counter- NATO fortress have been outlined.

The narrations on the annexation of Crimea in „Foreign Affairs” seen through theories of international relations

Publications in western specialized journals which describe the Russian Federation’s international behavior have always followed a certain paradigm of international relations. The article is an analysis of opinions and beliefs held by commentators and analysts writing for „Foreign Affairs”, based on their publications about the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation on march 2014. They have been scrutinized using three predominant theories of international relations: realism, liberalism and constructivism. The research proved that western commentators and analysts writing about the annexation of Crimea usually present a single paradigm of international relations. Moreover, they believe it to be the only effective tool in explaining countries’ foreign policy, thereby depreciating the value and usefulness of other paradigms.

EU – Ukraine: Around Kiev’s European Aspirations. Selected Aspects from a German Perspective

The goals of the article are to discuss Ukraine’s aspirations for rapprochement with the European Union, especially after the „Orange Revolution” in 2004, and in the context of the conflict with Russia over Crimea and eastern Ukraine that began in 2014. In addition, to outline of Germany’s position toward the conflict and Ukraine’s relations with the EU. The author attempts to resolve the problem of Ukraine’s chances of joining the Union in a predictable perspective. First of all, scientific and press publications, as well as European Union documents were used.

Situation of Russian minority in Ukraine after the annexation the Crimea to Russia

The author analyzes the situation of the Russian minority after the annexation of the Crimea, putting the question on the current position and role of Russians living in Ukraine, as well as their impact on the creation of the local socio-political reality. Examines the socio-economic situation of Russians living on the peninsula. Consider also about the situation of the Russian population in the region south and east of Ukraine, pointing to the diversity of its attitudes towards the Ukrainian-Russian conflict. In concluding remarks, notes that among the Russian minority will continue to function group leaders in identifying its needs (mainly in terms of language and their rights) and formulating development programs. Will continue to operate the Russian minority organizations, supporting the views consistent with the parties and promote pro-Russian separatist tendencies. Thus, the Russian minority will continue to play a significant role in shaping the socio-political reality in Ukraine.