Gianna Rocca

Block 2
Part I
The Situation in Ukraine Questions
1. What are the three core factors that led to the chaos, according to the article?
There are three core factors that led Ukraine to spiral downwards in chaos. The
first factor includes a broken promise between President Viktor F. Yanukovych and
his citizens. Yanukovych had long promised to integrate Ukraine with the
European Union by signing political and trade agreements, but when the time
came, Yanukovych refused to sign. Second is a lingering Cold War-era fight
between Russia and the West for influence over countries in Eastern Europe. The
third conflict is intense public outrage over the governments occasional brutal
response to the street protests that followed the presidents about face-on ties with
the European Union.
2. Why does Russia feel threatened by Ukraine forming a closer partnership with
Europe?
Russia felt threatened by Ukraine forming a closer partnership with Europe due to
how Russia perceived a threat to the Ukraines big military and vast economic
interests. In addition, Russia did not want the Ukraine to have ties with Europe
since Europe and the United States made it a priority to foster democracy in former
Soviet republics, including Ukraine. Of course, Russia did not like this plot and
suspected that the partnership between the Ukraine and Europe was formed against
Russia.
3. Why did many Ukrainians, especially in the Western part of the country, want
Ukraine to sign political and economic agreements with the European Union?

Many Ukrainians, especially in the Western part of the country, wanted to Ukraine
to sign political and economic agreements with the European Union due the
agreements would induce benefits to society. The Ukrainians saw the accords with
Europe as a symbolic of a larger push to improve their lives with much-needed
reforms especially to the economy and the justice system, according to the article.
4. Why did street protests erupt in November 2013?
Street protestors erupted the streets in November 2013 because in March 2013, Mr.
Yanukovych published a decree directing the government to work toward signing
the accords, however it became clear that Mr. Yanukovych would not move
forward. The protesters grew furious over legislation, especially after Russia gave
Mr. Yanukovych $15 billion in loans and natural gas discounts, only to then be
reignited by government missteps.
5. What were some of the government missteps that helped further fuel the protests?
Government missteps that helped further fuel the protests included that beating by
the police of young protesters. This prompted demonstrators to seize public
buildings and occupy Independence Square, as well as defy new laws severely
restricting free speech and assembly.
6. What additional questions do you have about whats going on in Ukraine?
Is there tension that still exists between Ukraine and Russia? Why did Mr.
Yanukovych choose to upset the people of Ukraine instead of move forward like he
promised?