The Ukrainian Crisis of 2014

less than 800 words

Introduction

The Ukraine crisis of Feb, 2014 followed a series of violence between the protestors and the police in the Ukrainian capital Kiev which led to formation of the new interim government. The protestors were the pro-EU supports known as “Euromaidans” (‘Euro’ refers the European Union and ‘maidan’ refers Maidan Nezalezhnosti/ Indepence Square, the venue of the protest in Nov, 2013). They protested the move of President Yanukovych of not signing the free trade agreement with the EU at Summit of the Eastern Partnership at Vilnius in Nov 2013 and instead he made closer ties with the Russia. The event was one of the most disastrously handled protest in the recent past where the government used all methods to curb it down and even resorted to live ammunition fire on the crowd.

Background

The Ukraine government had asked for financial loan and aid of $20 billion, but the EU was willing to offer $838 million. In return the EU also asked the reforms in major constitutional laws and  the release of Yulia Tymoshenko (ex- PM of Ukraine). On the other hand Russia was ready to give an unconditional loan of $15 billion. The Russian interest in this matter was to grow strong ties will ex-Soviet states and prevent the EU influence near its border. Russia was also afraid of the chances of establishment of a NATO base in Ukraine where Russia is already having a Naval Base. This Ukraine-Russia deal was highly unpopular in the western half of Ukraine whereas the eastern half where ethnic Russian population is more earned popularity. On 18^th Feb 2014, the Right Sector (militant wing of Euromaidans) decided to march till Parliament in protest which led to sever clash with the police. On the other hand Russia dispatched $2 billion and pressurized to curb the protest which turned to rigorous oppression and fire exchange from both sides. US urged Vanukovych for peaceful end to conflict.

Proceedings

Many government buildings were raided by the protestors and the police retaliated by burning down the Euromaidans headquarters. The fierce movement was intervened by a negotiating body of EU having the forgein ministers of Poland, France and Germany, who bought the leaders of both sides to a agreement which had following points:

1. Return of captured Government buildings and fortification of the weapons by Euromaidans
2. The constitution that was in force between 2004 to 2010 to be re-enforced in original form with few reforms to be completed by September 2014
3. Fresh President Election to be held before December 2014.

The Parliament unanimously voted for the change in the constitution and release of the Tymoshenko, while it also accused the current government with grave charges. Euromaidan leader Andriy Parubiy pressurized for sooner elections and demanded for Yanukovych’s resignation. On 21^st February 2014, the President resigned and fled away. The next day all the top officials were sacked and replaced. Major laws change took place. An interim government was formed.

Aftermath

The casualties during the protest were more than 100 while more 1000 were injured. It was a setback to already sliding economy giving rise to fuel prices by 50%. The UEFA shifted the venue of the on-going UEFA Europa League from Ukraine to other venues. Nearly 25 monuments of Lenin were destroyed.  The interim government formed, favored EU. It was recognized by US, EU and may other countries. Few countries like Russia didn't recognized the new governments terming it to be a coup d’état.

The eastern and southern half of the Ukraine which was pro-Russian and ethnic Russian majority erupted in protest to secession crisis after the revolt. Crimea, a semi-autonomous part of Ukraine was the worst affected one. The protest again the new Government rose, leading to the rise of Crimean crisis. Russia mobilized its army in Crimea to support pro-Russian movement. A referendum was held and the huge majority of people voted in favor of separating Crimea from Ukraine and making it a part of Russia. Treaty was signed with Russia on 18^th March and Crimea was accessed to the Russian federation. This move has been highly criticized in the Western country and many sanctions have been forced on Russia.

A similar revolt is also taking place Donetsk in eastern Ukraine for its accession to Russia after a successful referendum, but unlike Crimean crisis Russia is not in a hurry. With frequent and organized guerrilla attacks, the area has almost become a no-go for the Ukrainian government.

India’s Stance

India has taken a neutral stance in this matter, something similar to time of Afghan-Russian war in last century. India’s stand is justified because on one hand USA and EU are the new building partners whereas on the other side Russia is the old and faithful friend. India has asked both the sides to end the conflict in peaceful manner.