The new UKRAINIAN revolution, 2014
The situation in Ukraine started off as a peaceful protest against the Ukrainian government for taking Russia's side instead of the European Union in an attempt to work out their financial problems. As the situation escalated, these protests turned violent, prompting the government to make some incredibly strict anti-protest laws. This had an even more negative impact on the situation and the people became more enraged. After a few days, these laws were repealed, the prime minister was thrown out and the government started making negotiations. Unfortunately, Russia decided to get involved, under the guise of helping a nation in trouble. At first, Putin sent troops to the Ukrainian border under the guise of a military drill followed by an invasion of the province of Crimea, not unlike when he sent troops to Georgia, which ended with the secession of South Ossetia. By the beginning of March, Russia gained full control of Crimea and Putin received parliamentary approval to increase the number of troops in Ukraine. The US and the EU respond by imposing travel bans and asset freezes on several Russian officials as well as other sanctions. Tensions escalated further with more Euromaidan protests and Putin threatens to cut off gas supplies to Ukraine if Kiev did not day off its debts, hinting that this could also affect gas deliveries to Europe. The situation is dangerously unstable and despite the warnings from most Nations and world organizations like NATO, Putin does not seem be backing down. Ukrainian authorities have accused Russia of ordering military offensives against the protestors in order to fuel unrest and many agree. “Russia is deliberately fermenting disorder in Ukraine to disrupt the presidential elections…later this month,” said the British foreign secretary. But many are frustrated that no definitive action has been taken against Putin, who seems to keep testing the waters for how far he can go. The protests have become more violent with the intervention of Russian troops, the number of casualties keeps rising and the situation is becoming more and more chaotic.
One thing is for sure, the world is watching intently for further developments and the outcome of this election will be critical for the future of Ukraine and the possibility of it ever separating from Russia.
One thing is for sure, the world is watching intently for further developments and the outcome of this election will be critical for the future of Ukraine and the possibility of it ever separating from Russia.
To see a detailed timeline of important events, click here.
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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/johncurran/russian-ukrainian-conflict-explained_b_4909192.html
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/07/russia-fomenting-disorder-ukraine-election-william-hague