Despite numerous difficulties in bilateral relations, the Russian embassy in Ukraine continues to operate, although the status of diplomatic relations has been reduced to the level of charge d'affaires from 2016. Working in Kiev is a difficult and extremely important task for any diplomat, which means that the Russian embassy in the Ukrainian capital should be given special attention.
Beginning of bilateral relations
The tone of bilateral relations that arose during the formal existence of the Soviet Union was set by the statement of Leonid Kravchuk, who in December 1991 resolutely refused to sign any union agreement, thereby refusing not only political, but also economic interaction with the future independent Russia .
The Russian Embassy in Ukraine began its work by appointing the first ambassador in the history of bilateral relations in independent Ukraine. On February 14, 1992, this post was taken by Leonid Smolyakov, who worked in his post until May 1996.
Problem areas of bilateral relations
In any international relations, the principle of satisfying national interests is considered the cornerstone. For Ukraine, these interests consist in ensuring the sovereignty and inviolability of borders.
For almost twenty-four years, relations have known both dynamic development and obvious failures. However, the biggest problems began in 2014, when President Yanukovych was removed from power in Ukraine, and a referendum on joining Russia was held in Crimea.
After these events, the regime of the Russian Embassy in Ukraine has changed significantly, since the Russian Federation recalled its ambassador and sent a temporary attorney. From this moment on, relations between countries are characterized by increasing tension and distrust.
Kiev is one of the priority areas in Russia's foreign policy, as countries are neighbors and have numerous unresolved issues, such as Ukraine’s non-recognition of Crimea’s annexation to Russia and the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Address of the Russian Embassy in Ukraine
However, no matter how difficult interstate relations were, the embassy did not stop its activity for a single day. Too many Russian citizens permanently reside in Russia, and Ukrainian citizens have too close ties with the Russian Federation to be ignored.
The Embassy of Russia in Ukraine (Kiev) is located at Vozduhoflotsky Avenue, 27.