The subject of this thesis is the key problems in Russian-Ukrainian relations. Historically, Russia considers most of Ukraine as its part, and Russians and Ukrainians as one people. The focus of the work is on the dynamics of events in Ukraine in the context of Russian-Ukrainian relations, along with the analysis of internal events in both countries. A number of intersecting historical and current crises have been identified, each of which worsens the situation. By carrying out the research in the paper, the key problems of Russian-Ukrainian relations necessary for understanding the current relationship and the future of the two countries were detected. The research provided an overall overview of the argumentative data on the complexity of the relationship between Ukraine and Russia, which represents the starting database for further research in this area. The research methodology is based on the principles of objectivity and historicism, as well as research methods: historical-comparative method; historical-genetic method; predictive method; discursive analysis; document analysis. Using the compilation method, based on the knowledge and observations of different authors, the authors' own observations and conclusions are derived. On the basis of the results and findings obtained through the research, the hypothesis that the basis of the problem of Russian-Ukrainian relations lies in the economic, social and political connection of the two countries from the earliest history is confirmed. After the collapse of the USSR, Ukraine aspires to the West, the European Union and NATO, but Russia considers this a discrete threat, which leads to a worsening of relations and conflicts in 2014. Therefore, it is concluded that the increasing integration of Ukraine into the Euro-Atlantic institutions, and especially into NATO, led to the escalation of relations between the two countries and the Russian invasion.