Cossacks and monarchs: the Zaporozhians at the dawn of «Sich» history

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to highlight the establishment of international relations between Zaporizhzhia leaders and rulers of neighboring states against the backdrop of the struggle for political influence in the Eastern European region. It is noted that this was due to the growth of the Cossack population and the revival of its participation in the socio-political life of Ukraine during the second half of the 16th century. The research methodology is based on a combination of general scientific research principles and specific historical methods: problem-chronological, comparative-historical, and historical-systemic. The scientific novelty of the study lies in its comprehensive coverage of the positions of the leaders of the Zaporizhzhia Cossacks and neighboring monarchs regarding the motivation for their relations. Conclusions. The founding of the Zaporizhzhya Sich became a significant factor in the genesis of international relations of the Ukrainian Cossacks. Іt emerged as a powerful deterrent to the aggression of Tatar nomads on the southern border. At the same time, the emergence of authoritative Cossack leaders in the Sich there led to of the Zaporizhzhya Army's diplomatic contacts with other states. Among them, Moldova, Muscovy Austria and the Ottoman Empire became priorities. Among them, Moldova, Muscovy, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Ottoman Empire became priorities. Through the efforts of the brave Zaporizhian knights of Dmytro Vyshnevetskyi, Ivan Pidkova, Jan Oryshovskyi, Bohdan Mykoshynskyi and others, the Ukrainian Cossacks established themselves as a subject of international relations on the European stage.