In: Economics
Ukraine is the country situated in Eastern Europe and it was the
part of former USSR. It gained it independence after the
dissolution of the USSR. The geographic location of Ukraine has
strategic importance but historically it is known as the
breadbasket of Europe. The rich fertile soil of Ukraine produces
wheat which is highest in the Europe. The economy is largely
dominated by agriculture but it also exports natural resources such
as minerals and along with that capital goods.
Ukraine is also known for its defense industry which is 2nd only to
Russia if we consider the former USSR. The country has a government
owned conglomerate for this and Ukraine is in the top 10 countries
of the world which exports arms and weapons.
Ukraine had Russia as its biggest trading partner. This was obvious since both were part of the former USSR and later they were of 'Commonwealth of Independent States'or CIS. CIS was the group of countries which were liberated after the dissolution of the USSR. Until 2012, Ukraine was heavily engaged with Russia and CIS for trade. However, its trade with the EU countries was also increasing in the meantime.
Russian annexation of Crimea had a very negative effect on the
bilateral trade relations. The economy of Ukraine shrank as Russia
was its largest trading partner and it was very much dependent on
it. However, people preferred pro-EU government in the country and
that has tilted Ukraine towards the European Union. Now, the EU is
the largest trading partner of Ukraine which accounts for more than
1/3rd of trade.