Since February 2022 Russia and Ukraine have been in the limelight of western media attention after Russia lunched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine1. Ukraine sits in a strategic location for Russia for further military operation1 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 Federation2. The annexation of Crimea was seen as a strategically successful operation by Russia2, 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 Europe3 2 declaring that it wouldn’t be practical to break economic ties with Russia4. The decision resulted in major protests within Kyiv’s Independence Square3 2, but it was defended by Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov4. Meanwhile, more than a majority of Ukrainians wanted to create a closer relationship with Europe5.
After just two weeks, Russian leaders, wishing to reestablish Russian influence over Ukraine, and president Yanukovych meet2 3 to discuss an agreement about trade and economic collaboration6. A crowd of Ukrainian protesters take down a statue of Vladimir Lenin and police make threats to protesters about clearing the City Hall7.
On , Russia agrees to buy into Ukrainian bonds, a value of about $15 billion, and cut their gas price8 3 9, the decision was viewed as President Yanukovych “selling out” Ukraine10. After a Christmas and New Years break from protesting, protesters return3. On January 17th President Yanukovych signs highly restrictive anti-protesting laws, which where compared to laws similar to Russia’s pertaining to NGOs11 12. The attempts to cut down on protests ultimately failed as on the 19th a protest turned violent3 13, barricades and camps where torched – including the Trade Unions Building, which was being used as a headquarters for the protesters14.
After two months of protests, on police stormed protesters’ barricades. While protesters moved into Independence Square and further clashes between police and protesters occurred two protesters died3 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 side16. Additionally, the anti-protest laws are repealed on the January 2817. In response Viktor Yanukovych agrees to give prime minister position to his opposition and grant amnesty for protesting charges18, he fails to me all of the protesting demands.