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Th e article examines the foreign policy history of the formation of Ukrainian statehood at the end of World War I. Th e fall of the autocracy in Russia created an opportunity for the revival of Ukraine as a state. However, circumstances did not work in its favor. Ukrainians had to wage war against both Bolshevik and “White” Russia, seeking allies in these wars, which could be either the Entente or the Quadruple Alliance countries. Both warring sides tried to understand the nature of the Ukrainian movement and use it primarily in their own interests, each side always taking the Russian card into account. In Germany, the idea of signing a separate peace with Russia prevailed for a long time. It was in the interests of the Entente countries to preserve the territorial integrity of Russia, and the “Ukrainian question” was considered only as an internal problem of Russia. In light of this, Ukrainian politicians resorted to maneuvering between the two hostile camps, which did not bring the desired result. Th e signing of a peace treaty in Brest with the countries of the Quadruple Alliance led to a breakdown in relations with the Entente, which could not be restored. Th e author traces the dramatic twists and turns of Ukrainian foreign policy, examines relations with representatives of both warring blocs, and concludes that Ukrainian diplomacy was weak and unable to realize the idea of statehood on the international stage. Not recognized as an independent state, Ukraine was not admitted to the offi cial meetings of the Paris Peace Conference. Th e Ukrainian issue was eff ectively removed from the agenda of the Entente leaders. Attempts by the UNR government to become a member of the League of Nations were also unsuccessful. It can be said that the lack of international support was one of the main reasons for the defeat of the Ukrainian Revolution. In fact, neither the Entente nor the Quadruple Alliance treated Ukraine as an independent subject of international law, but viewed it through their own interests as a fragment of a large geopolitical game. Th e new Versailles world order was not fair to Ukraine, whose territory was divided between four neighboring states. Th e question of Ukraine’s independence was postponed for almost a century.