Unrest In Ukraine Background Unrest In Ukraine (Page 2 of 3) in pdf

Unrest in Ukraine

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to Independence Square in Kiev where hundreds of thousands of protesters have rallied over the

past months. Euromaidan protesters are mainly from Kiev and western Ukraine, and include, among

others, students, workers, retirees, entrepreneurs, and journalists. These protesters’ demands extend

far beyond establishing a stronger partnership with the EU and center around human rights, freedom,

and democracy. Other groups, such as right-wing nationalists, have carried out their own anti-Yanu-

kovich demonstrations.

“

[I]t is our attempt to change the situation in Ukraine, to set true values, to reach real

democracy, to create our future…without inhumanity and violence!”

—A Euromaidan statement on Facebook, February 2014

Who are the pro-Yanukovich demonstrators?

Ukrainians are not united in their demands for the future of their country. Widespread divisions

hinge upon the question—Should Ukraine follow a European path or establish closer ties with Rus-

sia? Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have participated in rallies that not only signal their support

for Yanukovich, but also a preference for continued strong ties with Russia. Many pro-Yanukovich

demonstrators are from the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine—regions that are the base of Ya-

nukovich’s support, the location of major industries, and where Russian is more commonly spoken.

Most pro-Yanukovich protesters reject the idea of a far-reaching partnership with the EU, fearing that

such an agreement would do more harm than good to the Ukrainian economy and their livelihoods.

What are some international perspectives on the situation?

European Union: Yanukovich’s decision to break off an agreement with the EU left many Europe-

an leaders perplexed. Why did Yanukovich back out of a deal that was five years in the making? EU

members have identified Russia as a contributing factor. Many have criticized Russia for exerting eco-

nomic and political pressure on its neighbor, Ukraine, and for meddling in Ukraine’s efforts to form

ties with the EU. Appalled by the violation of human rights and the deaths of dozens of Ukrainian

civilians, the EU imposed sanctions against Ukrainian officials who are responsible for the violence.

“

In Kiev, we have seen the biggest ever pro-European demonstration in the history of the

European Union. A whole population that wants to join the European family.”

—Guy Verhofstadt, Belgian member of the EU Parliament

Russia: Officially, Russia claims to have a policy of nonintervention in Ukrainian politics. How-

ever, Russia is interested in keeping Ukraine within its sphere of influence. Russia’s natural gas

pipelines travel across Ukraine, and Ukraine itself is a major market for Russian gas. Politically,

Russia does not want Ukraine to form stronger ties with the EU. Russia has labeled pro-EU Ukrainian

demonstrators as “extremists” and condemned these protesters for attempting to initiate a “coup.”

United States: The Obama administration is closely monitoring the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The

U.S. State Department has condemned the Ukrainian government’s use of violence. Following the

first deaths of protesters, the U.S. State Department announced visa sanctions against Ukrainian offi-

cials. The crisis has heightened tensions between the United States and Russia. U.S. officials continue

to side with the EU on this issue.

“

The United States strongly condemns the increasing violence on the streets of Kyiv, which

has led to casualties.... We urge all sides to immediately de-escalate the situation and

refrain from violence.”

—U.S. State Department, January 22, 2014

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