Since February 2022 Russia and Ukraine have been in the limelight of western media attention after Russia lunched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine[1]. Ukraine sits in a strategic location for Russia for further military operation[1] and has unique historical connections to Russia. The catalyst of the modern conflict between the two nations began in 2014 when Crimea was annexed and assessed into the Russian Federation[2]. The annexation of Crimea was seen as a strategically successful operation by Russia[2], but largely in part due to the historical context between Crimea and Russia, as well as Russia’s ability to take advantage of Ukraine’s political issues.
Starting in November of 2013 then-current Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych ceased talk of trade with Europe[3] [2] declaring that it wouldn’t be practical to break economic ties with Russia[4]. The decision resulted in major protests within Kyiv’s Independence Square[3] [2], but it was defended by Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov[4]. Meanwhile, more than a majority of Ukrainians wanted to create a closer relationship with Europe[5].
After just two weeks, Russian leaders, wishing to reestablish Russian influence over Ukraine, and president Yanukovych meet[2] [3] to discuss an agreement about trade and economic collaboration[6]. A crowd of Ukrainian protesters take down a statue of Vladimir Lenin and police make threats to protesters about clearing the City Hall[7].
In December 17th, Russia agrees to buy into Ukrainian bonds, a value of about $15 billion, and cut their gas price[8] [3] [9], the decision was viewed as President Yanukovych “selling out” Ukraine[10]. After a Christmas and New Years break from protesting, protesters return[3]. On January 17th President Yanukovych signs highly restrictive anti-protesting laws, which where compared to laws similar to Russia’s pertaining to NGOs[11] [12]. The attempts to cut down on protests ultimately failed as on the 19th a protest turned violent[3] [13], barricades and camps where torched – including the Trade Unions Building, which was being used as a headquarters for the protesters[14].
After two months of protests, on January 22, at around 06:00 GMT police stormed protesters’ barricades. While protesters moved into Independence Square and further clashes between police and protesters occurred two protesters died[3] [15]. After the death, the protesting spreads from not just Kyiv, but to dozens of cities – including some in the East, who are typically less pro-European than the western side[16]. Additionally, the anti-protest laws are repealed on the January 28[17]. In response Viktor Yanukovych agrees to give prime minister position to his opposition and grant amnesty for protesting charges[18], he fails to me all of the protesting demands.
Ukraine conflict: Your guide to understanding the story – BBC News ↩ ↩2
Lessons from Russia’s Operations in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine – RAND ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
Conflict in Ukraine: A timeline (2014 - eve of 2022 invasion) – House of Commons Library ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
Huge Ukraine rally over EU agreement delay – BBC News ↩ ↩2
Why Did Ukraine’s Yanukovych Give in to Russian Pressure on EU Deal? – Bookings ↩
Defying protesters, Ukraine’s Yanukovich meets Putin on pact – Reuters ↩
Ukraine protesters topple Lenin statue in Kiev – The Guardian ↩
Vladimir Putin offers Ukraine financial incentives to stick with Russia – The Guardian ↩
Russia Offers Cash Infusion for Ukraine – The New York Times ↩
: Russia reaches deal with Ukraine on $15 billion bailout – CNBC ↩
Ukraine enacts harsh laws against protests – The Washington Post ↩
Ukrainian president approves strict anti-protest laws – The Guardian ↩
Teargas and smoke bombs used as Ukrainian protesters clash with police – The Guardian ↩
10 Years Later: Revolution of Dignity Highlights – Kyiv Post ↩
Ukraine protests: Two protesters killed in Kiev clashes – BBC News ↩
Ukraine protester’s funeral draws hundreds of mourners – The Guardian ↩
Ukraine’s PM tenders resignation as anti-protest laws repealed – The Guardian ↩
Ukrainian president offers surprise concessions as protests turn violent – The Guardian ↩