UKRAINE IN THE FOREIGN POLICY OF THE BARACK OBAMA ADMINISTRATION AFTER THE REVOLUTION OF DIGNITY: THE MILITARY DIMENSION

Abstract

The article analyzes the military component of the Ukrainian-American interstate dialogue during the presidency of Barack Obama, starting from 2014. Particular emphasis is placed on examining the transformation of Washington’s official approaches toward Ukraine in the context of increasing Russian aggression, including an outline of diplomatic efforts, sanctions policy, and legislative initiatives, as well as the identification of Ukraine’s evolving role within U.S. policy in Eastern Europe. In this regard, special attention is given to the analysis of the Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 and the U.S. National Security Strategy February 2015. It is established that, despite growing financial and material-technical assistance, the Obama administration’s “Ukraine policy” after the Revolution of Dignity was characterized by notable caution, most clearly reflected in the refusal to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons. Within the framework of examining military assistance, particular focus is placed on training missions and programs such as JMTG-U, IMET, USAI, and TCCC, which significantly contributed to enhancing the combat effectiveness and professionalism of a new generation of Ukrainian military officers, gradually moving away from Soviet management traditions and aligning more closely with NATO standards. Ultimately, it is found that U.S. military support in 2014–2016, despite its limited nature, became an important factor in the transformation of Ukraine’s security and defense sector and played a significant role in strengthening the country’s defense capabilities