Abstract

«Ukrainian question» as the prospect of independence has always depended on a combination of many factors of political, philosophical and psychological quality. According to the era the hierarchy of importance of certain aspects has been changing, but geopolitical component not only has always been an integral part of this set of determinants, but it took the decisive position. The «Ukrainian question» was transformed in a valuable international problem in the context of realization of military and political aims of the states in First World War. The Ukrainian intellectual elite began to realize the necessity of fight for independence and autonomy. Germany and its allies were ready to acknowledge UNR and accept practical measures for its support. It weakened them political competitor – Russia, and it strengthened influence of Poland in Eastern Europe. A chance to realize the idea of independence of Ukraine was the autumn of 1939. Common parade of German and Soviet forces during World War II eliminated the possibility for Ukrainian sovereignty. The reasons for the failure of attempts sovereignty Ukraine can be explained by the theory of interdependent decisions. Practically not only opposite but also general, interests are stopped up in every conflict. Complete irrelevance of conflict for the most important actors in international relations in this period made it impossible positive solution «Ukrainian question».