Ukraine is a country split in two. There has been a dramatic schism between the country’s nationalist west, which speaks Ukrainian and welcomes involvement with the European Union, and the separatist east, which largely speaks Russian and considers the Kremlin an ally.
Last November, the Russian-aligned President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, defied the wishes of the majority of his people when he rejected an economic deal with the EU and instead opted to accept a new agreement from Russia, which included $15 billion in aid.
This drew the ire of Ukrainians in the west, who are keen to see the country align with the more prosperous economies of Europe.
Protesters stormed the streets of the capital, Kiev, to call for economic reform and demand the resignation of the President. The Ukrainian Government attempted to shut down the demonstrations with riot police, armed guards and military personnel. Allegations of police brutality ensued and the death toll reached into hundreds. Yanukovych fled to Russia, fearing for his life.
The unrest caused Russia to reassert its influence over what it considers a satellite state by proxy. Late in February, Russian troops moved into Crimea, a Russian-speaking province of Ukraine. The annexation of the region and the escalation of violence were met with widespread condemnation by world leaders, but the Kremlin argued it was protecting its own interests from the political instability of Ukraine.
Clashes have continued ever since between the Russian separatists and Ukrainian patriots along the highly volatile border region between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukraine is a country split in two. There has been a dramatic schism between the country’s nationalist west, which speaks Ukrainian and welcomes involvement with the European Union, and the separatist east, which largely speaks Russian and considers the Kremlin an ally.Last November, the Russian-aligned President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, defied the wishes of the majority of his people when he rejected an economic deal with the EU and instead opted to accept a new agreement from Russia, which included $15 billion in aid.This drew the ire of Ukrainians in the west, who are keen to see the country align with the more prosperous economies of Europe.Protesters stormed the streets of the capital, Kiev, to call for economic reform and demand the resignation of the President. The Ukrainian Government attempted to shut down the demonstrations with riot police, armed guards and military personnel. Allegations of police brutality ensued and the death toll reached into hundreds. Yanukovych fled to Russia, fearing for his life.The unrest caused Russia to reassert its influence over what it considers a satellite state by proxy. Late in February, Russian troops moved into Crimea, a Russian-speaking province of Ukraine. The annexation of the region and the escalation of violence were met with widespread condemnation by world leaders, but the Kremlin argued it was protecting its own interests from the political instability of Ukraine.Clashes have continued ever since between the Russian separatists and Ukrainian patriots along the highly volatile border region between Russia and Ukraine.
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