CIAO DATE: 12/2009
March 2006
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Ukraine and the Republic of Belarus are two important neighbours of Poland and the European Union, naturally separating them from Russia. After gaining independence in 1991, they faced the choice between re-integration with Russia or strengthening their own statehood and position in the international arena. In the mid-1990s, Belarus decided to choose the first option, whereas Ukraine, though it did not resign from cooperation with Russia, strove to develop an independent foreign policy and tighten its contacts with the Euro-Atlantic structures.
Resource link: Relations between Ukraine and the Republic of Belarus the present conditions, status quo and perspectives [PDF] - 311K