Abstract. In 2020 Ukraine found itself in a difficult situation. The global recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease in demand for goods exported by Ukraine (primarily products of the agricultural sector and metallurgy). The decline in business activity in the country as a result of quarantine measures caused a reduction in budget revenues, a decrease in living standards, and a rise of unemployment. The change of government failed to improve the rating of the ruling party that showed weak results in local elections in the autumn of 2020.The reforms have virtually stopped. At the same time it became clear that V. Zelensky lacks the necessary political will and resources to implement the provisions of the Minsk agreements. He prefers a strategy of delaying negotiations and active political maneuvering. Besides that Kiev is actively promoting the creation of the so-called «Crimean Platform», which seeks to bring Crimea back into the focus of political debate between Russia and Western countries. The fusion of the issues of the Donbass and Crimea significantly narrows the window of opportunities for elaboration of any political solution to the Ukrainian crisis.