The Revolution of Dignity

The protests in Ukraine, also called Euromaidan, that led to the removal of President Viktor Yanukovych.

Background

In November 2013 the Ukrainian government suspended preparations for an association agreement with the European Union, shortly before it was to be signed. Many Ukrainians, especially younger people, saw this as a turn away from reform and the rule of law.

Course of events

Protesters occupied Independence Square in Kyiv, called the Maidan, and were later joined by tens of thousands more after a violent police crackdown. In February 2014 clashes in central Kyiv killed more than a hundred protesters and several police officers. President Yanukovych left Kyiv on 22 February, and parliament voted to remove him.

Legacy

A new government signed the association agreement with the European Union. Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014, which most states and the United Nations General Assembly did not recognise, and conflict began in eastern Ukraine.