This article is devoted to the analysis of the historical continuity of American approaches to policy in the Ukrainian direction. Historically, Ukraine was a field of rivalry between Russia and the West. During periods of aggravation of political confrontation in Europe, such as on the eve of the First world war, the importance and role of Ukraine increased. Germany's plans to alienate Ukraine from the Russian Empire were part of the doctrine of “Middle Europe”, which provided for the formation of a belt of buffer States included in the zone of German influence. Polish foreign policy has also traditionally considered the support of the Ukrainian national movement, and then the strengthening of Ukrainian statehood as a major goal, which is reflected in the doctrine of “Mezhdumorya”. After the collapse of the USSR, the us strategy in the Ukrainian direction was carried out in accordance with the doctrine of geopolitical pluralism. The main goal was the separation of Ukraine from Russia, preventing its participation in the Russian reintegration projects, and ensure observance by Kiev of functions of a buffer state, which, due to political and geographic factors will hinder the development of Russia's cooperation with partners in Europe. The approaches to the formation of American policy in Ukraine follow the German and Polish traditions of goal - setting in this direction, which gives grounds to raise the question of their historical continuity.
