The Evolution and the Prospects of the Transformation of the Strategic Priorities of the Russian Federation

After the conflict in eastern Ukraine and Russia's accession of the Crimea relations between Russia and its Western partners deteriorated considerably. At the same time, Russian and foreign scholars had started to address the problem of political and economic isolation of Russia from the democratic community. This led to a change in the Russian agenda regarding possible strategic allies. Since then Russia announced the “turn to the East” and enshrined in the 2016 Foreign Policy Concept the CIS countries with an emphasis on Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia as its priority. This study aims to verify whether Russian strategic priorities have changed in practice and Russia was placed in isolation. For this purpose, quantitative content analysis will be used. Specifically, we will analyze the dynamics of the diplomatic contacts of Russia with other countries over the past 10 years. For this purpose, the data of the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the official website of the President of Russia will be used. Thus, we will be able to validate the practical implementation of the Russian foreign policy strategy.