At the moment, the dynamics of Russian-Ukrainian relations are defined by two sets of contradictory trends. On the one hand, Russia and Ukraine are obviously drifting apart. Drifting Apart Economic relations between the two countries have become less and less intensive. Ukraine lost its position as Russia's leading trade partner and now competes for third place with Belarus, whose population is 5 times smaller.
Mutual investment remains negligible.
The foreign policy orientations of the two countries differ considerably. Russia is especially sensitive to Ukraine's interaction with Western security organizations. All this fuels a crisis of confidence in bilateral relations. Important changes have taken place in Russian public opinion under the impact of the debt issue. Russia's own financial difficulties have led to protest against Russian subsidies to Ukraine and increased the likelihood of a tougher stance on this particular issue.