DETERMINATION OF STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR INLAND WATER TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINE

Topicality. In the context of globalization and the growth of international trade, water transport is becoming key to transport infrastructure, especially in Ukraine with its strategic location and river potential. The economic and ecological importance of inland waterway transport is obvious, but its development is held back by a number of challenges, including infrastructure constraints, economic difficulties, environmental requirements and legislative barriers. The relevance of the study lies in the need to analyze these challenges and define strategies to increase the competitiveness and integration of Ukrainian inland water transport into international logistics chains.Aim and tasks. Determine the priority strategic directions for the development of inland water transport of Ukraine, focusing on integration with international networks, adaptation to geopolitical changes, economic efficiency and environmental innovations. Tasks include analyzing the current state, assessing the impact of external factors and formulating recommendations for increasing the competitiveness and sustainable development of the industry, using international experience.Materials and Methods. The research is based on official documents, scientific literature and statistics to analyze the state of the industry and international experience. The methodology combines comparative analysis, expert evaluations and statistical analysis to identify trends. This will help assess the situation in Ukrainian inland water transport and develop recommendations for increasing its efficiency, sustainable development and integration into international logistics networks.Research results. In view of the growing need for efficient and environmentally sustainable transport solutions, the inland water transport of Ukraine shows significant potential for development. Analysis of the current state and international experience indicates a critical need to implement strategic directions aimed at modernization of infrastructure, implementation of environmental standards, development of multimodal transportation, attraction of investments and activation of international integration.Modernizing infrastructure, including upgrading locks, ports and navigation systems, is fundamental to ensuring the safety, efficiency and accessibility of water transport. This will allow Ukraine to increase the carrying capacity of river routes and optimize logistics chains.The introduction of environmental standards and innovations, in particular the use of environmentally friendly fuels and autonomous ships, will help reduce emissions and increase the environmental friendliness of the industry. This corresponds to the global trends of greening of transport and ensures the sustainable development of water transport.The development of multimodal transport, integrating water transport with other types of transport, opens up new opportunities for optimizing cargo flows and increasing the efficiency of the country's transport system.Attracting investments, both domestic and international, is key to the implementation of modernization and innovation projects. Creating a favorable investment climate and state support through incentives and guarantees will be able to accelerate the development of the industry.Activation of international integration through cooperation with international organizations and adaptation to international standards will allow Ukraine to integrate into global transport networks, attract international experience and investments for the development of water transport.The implementation of these strategic directions will require an integrated approach, coordinated work of the government, business and international partners, as well as taking into account the economic and environmental requirements of today.Conclusion. A government program with investment incentives, modernization and environmental innovation is recommended; legislative improvements to support water transport; business investments in the fleet and infrastructure; international support for Ukraine's integration into global networks. Future research should focus on adaptation to global change and private investment strategies.