TYPOLOGY OF THE REGIONS OF UKRAINE BY THE LEVEL OF GEOPOSITIONALITY UNDER CONTEMPORARY CONDITIONS

Abstract

The article presents a typization of the regions of Ukraine by the level of geopositionality under current spatial, transport-logistical, and security transformations. Geopositionality is interpreted as an integral characteristic of a region that reflects its position within the system of internal and external connections, the level of transport and communication connectivity, border-contact opportunities, logistical inclusion, demographic and functional weight, as well as integration and communication potential. The purpose of the study is to provide a quantitative assessment of the geopositionality of the regions of Ukraine, to identify interregional positional differences, and to typize the regions on the basis of a corresponding system of indicators. The methodological framework combines comparativegeographical, statistical, typological, and cartographic methods. In the course of the study, a system of geopositionality indicators was developed, normalized, and used to calculate integral values for the regions of Ukraine, followed by their ranking. This made it possible to distinguish regions with high, medium, and low levels of geopositionality. It was established that higher values are typical of regions combining advantageous transport and communication positions, active participation in logistical flows, external contact opportunities, and a significant functional role in the system of interregional relations. A medium level of geopositionality is characteristic of regions with a moderate positional potential, where certain advantages are combined with spatial or infrastructural constraints. Lower values were identified in the regions where the cumulative effect of transport, logistical, border, and functional characteristics proved to be weaker or substantially reduced under current conditions. The practical significance of the results lies in the possibility of using the proposed typization to substantiate regional development strategies, improve spatial planning, optimize transport and logistics decisions, and define priorities of state regional policy