1. The Ukraine Crisis: What’s Happening and What You Need to Know
The past few weeks have seen a lot of unrest in Ukraine, with anti-government protesters taking to the streets in several cities. The protests began in November after the Ukrainian government announced that it was suspending plans to sign a trade agreement with the European Union, opting instead to pursue closer ties with Russia.
The decision to back away from the EU deal sparked outrage among putin russia ukraine news who see closer ties with the bloc as a way to break away from Russia’s orbit and move closer to the West. The protests quickly turned into a broader movement against the government, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of President Viktor Yanukovych.
On January 16, the Ukrainian parliament voted to oust Yanukovych, who then fled the country. Russia, which had been backing Yanukovych, condemned the move as a “coup” and has since been working to destabilize Ukraine.
Here’s a look at what’s happening in Ukraine and why it matters:
What’s happening in Ukraine?
In short, Ukraine is in the midst of a political crisis that has pitted the country’s pro-Russian government against protesters who want closer ties with the European Union.
The crisis began in November when Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych announced that his government was suspending plans to sign a trade agreement with the EU. Yanukovych had come under pressure from Russia to scrap the deal, and his decision to do so sparked mass protests in Ukraine.
The protests quickly turned into a broader movement against Yanukovych and his government, with demonstrators demanding new elections and an end to government corruption. On January 16, the Ukrainian parliament voted to oust Yanukovych, who then fled the country.
Russia, which had been backing Yanukovych, condemned the move as a “coup” and has since been working to destabilize Ukraine. Russia has also sent troops into Crimea, a Ukrainian territory with a large Russian population, sparking fears of a wider conflict.
Why does this matter?
Ukraine is a key country in the ongoing struggle between Russia and the West for influence in Eastern Europe. Russia sees Ukraine as a key part of its “sphere of influence,” while the West sees Ukraine as a potential partner in its efforts to counter Russian power.
The current crisis in Ukraine has
2. The Causes of the Ukraine Crisis
The Ukraine Crisis: What’s Happening and What You Need to Know
The Ukraine Crisis began in November 2013 when then-President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign an EU Association Agreement, instead opting for closer ties with Russia. This sparked mass protests in Kiev, which eventually led to Yanukovych’s ousting in February 2014. Russia then annexed Crimea in March 2014, and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine began fighting the Ukrainian Army in April 2014. The conflict has since killed over 10,000 people and displaced over 1.5 million.
The roots of the crisis can be traced back to the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991. Ukraine was left with a large Russian-speaking population, and many Crimeans identify as ethnic Russians. Russia also has a naval base in Crimea, which it has leased from Ukraine since the Soviet era.
When Yanukovych refused to sign the EU Association Agreement in November 2013, many Ukrainians saw this as a betrayal of their European aspirations. The Agreement would have deepened economic and political ties between Ukraine and the EU. Yanukovych’s government justified the decision by citing the need for closer economic ties with Russia.
Protests quickly broke out in Kiev, and soon spread to other cities. Yanukovych’s government responded with a violent crackdown, which only served to increase the size and intensity of the protests. In February 2014, Yanukovych fled the country, and a new government was formed.
Russia responded to Yanukovych’s ousting by annexing Crimea in March 2014. This was done through a referendum in which Crimeans voted to leave Ukraine and join the Russian Federation. The referendum was widely condemned as illegal, and the international community does not recognize Crimea as part of Russia.
Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine then began fighting the Ukrainian Army in April 2014. The conflict has since killed over 10,000 people and displaced over 1.5 million. The separatists are supported by Russia, while the Ukrainian government is supported by the West. A ceasefire was agreed to in February 2015, but fighting has continued despite the agreement.
3. The Escalation of the Ukraine Crisis
The Ukraine Crisis: What’s Happening and What You Need to Know
The Ukraine Crisis has been escalating rapidly over the past few weeks. Here’s a rundown of the latest events and what you need to know.
On February 20th, 2014, pro-Russian protesters in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev began clashing with police. The clashes turned violent, with over 100 people reported dead.
On February 22nd, 2014, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych fled the country. A new government, led by pro-Western Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, was soon formed.
On March 1st, 2014, Russian troops began occupying Crimea, a strategic region in southern Ukraine. On March 16th, a referendum was held in Crimea, with 97% of voters opting to join Russia.
On April 6th, 2014, pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk declared independence. These regions are now known as the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic.
Since April, fighting between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian separatists has intensified, with over 5,000 people reported dead.
The Ukraine Crisis has led to increased tensions between Russia and the West, with both sides accusing the other of meddling in Ukrainian affairs. The crisis also raises questions about the future of European security and the viability of the Ukrainian state.
4. The Impact of the Ukraine Crisis
The Ukraine Crisis: What’s Happening and What You Need to Know
The Ukraine Crisis began in November 2013 when then-President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych suspended preparations for signing the Ukraine-European Union Association Agreement, which would have deepened political and economic ties between Ukraine and the European Union. This decision sparked mass protests in Ukraine, which became known as the Euromaidan Revolution. In February 2014, Yanukovych was ousted from power, and new elections were held in May 2014.
Since then, the situation in Ukraine has continued to be volatile. In April 2014, pro-Russian separatists in the eastern regions of Ukraine – Donetsk and Luhansk – declared independence, leading to a civil war that has killed over 10,000 people. In March 2014, Russia annexed the Ukrainian territory of Crimea. The conflict in Ukraine has led to a deterioration in relations between Russia and the West, and has resulted in Western sanctions against Russia.
The Ukraine Crisis continues to be a complex and fluid situation. Here is a look at the key events that have taken place since the crisis began.
2013
November 21: Yanukovych suspends preparations for signing the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement.
November 30: Yanukovych and Russian President Vladimir Putin sign a deal for Russia to buy $15 billion of Ukrainian government bonds and to reduce the price of natural gas exports to Ukraine.
December 1: Protests against Yanukovych’s decision to suspend the EU deal begin in Kyiv’s Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square).
December 17: The Ukrainian parliament adopts a series of laws restricting freedom of assembly, leading to more protests.
2014
January 16: Yanukovych offers a concessions to the protesters, including a new government and early elections, but the opposition rejects his offer.
January 19: Yanukovych flees Kyiv.
February 22: A new Ukrainian government is formed, with Oleksandr Turchynov as acting President.
February 27-28: Clashes between protesters and police in Kyiv’s Maidan Nezalezhnosti leave over 100 people dead.
March 1: Putin orders Russian
5. What You Can Do to Help the Ukraine Crisis
The current crisis in Ukraine has left many people wondering what they can do to help. Here are five things you can do to help the people of Ukraine during this difficult time.
1. Spread the word
Many people are still unaware of the crisis in Ukraine and its implications. Share articles and information about the crisis with your friends and family to help raise awareness.
2. Donate to relief efforts
There are numerous relief efforts underway to help those affected by the crisis. Donate to a reputable organization to help support their work.
3. Advocate for a peaceful resolution
The current crisis has the potential to escalate into a full-blown conflict. Advocate for a peaceful resolution through diplomatic means.
4. Support Ukrainian businesses
The current crisis is having a negative impact on the Ukrainian economy. Support businesses that are still operating during this difficult time.
5. Pray for the people of Ukraine
Pray for the putin russia ukraine news who are facing an uncertain future.
