Editing History of Ukraine (section)

=== Independent Ukraine (1991–present) ===
{{Main|Ukraine|Politics of Ukraine|President of Ukraine|Verkhovna Rada}}

==== Establishing the foundations of independence ====
{{Main|Declaration of Independence of Ukraine|Post-Soviet transition in Ukraine|Constitution of Ukraine|Hryvnia}}
{{See also|Leonid Kravchuk|Leonid Kuchma}}

[[File:Проголошення незалежності України.pdf|thumb|The front page of the parliamentary newspaper ''[[Holos Ukrayiny]]'' with the text of the declaration printed on the lower half (27 August 1991)]]
On 24 August 1991, the [[Verkhovna Rada]] (Ukrainian Parliament) [[Declaration of Independence of Ukraine|declared Ukraine’s independence]] from the [[Soviet Union]], a decisive step taken in the wake of the failed August Coup.<ref name=Magocsi>[https://books.google.com/books?id=BNUtdVrw6lIC&dq=16+July+1991+Ukrainian+state+sovereignty.&pg=PA722 A History of Ukraine: The Land and Its Peoples] by [[Paul Robert Magocsi]], [[University of Toronto Press]], 2010, {{ISBN|1442610212}} (page 722/723)</ref> This historic decision was reinforced by [[1991 Ukrainian independence referendum|a nationwide referendum]] on 1 December 1991, where 90.32% of voters supported independence, with majorities in every region (including 54.19% in [[Crimea]]).<ref name=NS>[[Dieter Nohlen]] & Philip Stöver (2010) ''Elections in Europe: A data handbook'', page 1976 {{ISBN|9783832956097}}</ref> That same day, [[Ukraine]] held its [[1991 Ukrainian presidential election|first presidential election]], a pivotal moment in its post-Soviet history. [[Leonid Kravchuk]], a former high-ranking Soviet official, won the election, becoming first [[President of Ukraine]]. During his tenure, Kravchuk worked to maintain stability, distance Ukraine from Moscow’s influence, and manage internal political challenges.<ref name=UKrW812991>[http://www.ukrweekly.com/old/archive/1991/499101.shtml Independence - over 90% vote yes in referendum; Kravchuk elected president of Ukraine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019083729/http://www.ukrweekly.com/old/archive/1991/499101.shtml |date=19 October 2017 }}, ''[[The Ukrainian Weekly]]'', 8 December 1991</ref>

The dissolution of the USSR was formalized in the [[Białowieża Forest]] in [[Belarus]], where the leaders of Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia—[[Leonid Kravchuk]], [[Stanislav Shushkevich]], and [[Boris Yeltsin]]—signed the [[Belovezha Accords]] on 8 December 1991. These accords declared the Soviet Union defunct and established the [[Commonwealth of Independent States]] (CIS) as a loose association of former Soviet republics. By 26 December 1991, the USSR officially ceased to exist, and Ukraine's independence gained de jure recognition from the international community.<ref name="c97">{{cite news |title=14 Years of Belavezha Accords' Signing |url=http://www.charter97.org/eng/news/2005/12/08/14 |archive-date=3 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203021058/http://www.charter97.org/eng/news/2005/12/08/14 |publisher=Charter'97 |date=8 December 2005}}</ref>

After declaring independence, Ukraine began a complex [[Post-Soviet transition in Ukraine|post-Soviet transition]], shaping its identity as a new independent nation. From 1991 to 1996, Ukraine experienced significant political, economic, and social transformations aimed at establishing itself as a sovereign state on the global stage.<ref>[[Volodymyr Vasylenko]]. [https://web.archive.org/web/20190620220422/https://i.tyzhden.ua/content/photoalbum/2018/05_2018/30/bild/specproject.pdf Non-nuclear status of Ukraine: past, present, and future (Без'ядерний статус України: минуле, сучасне, майбутнє)]. ''[[The Ukrainian Week]]''. 31 May 2018</ref>

In the early years of independence, the [[Verkhovna Rada]] played a key role in establishing the country’s legal and political framework. As Ukraine’s legislative body, the Rada was responsible for drafting and passing laws to build the foundation of Ukraine’s political and economic structures. However, it faced ideological divides as members debated Ukraine’s path—whether to orient toward Western integration or maintain stronger ties with [[Russian Federation]]. These debates mirrored broader societal divides and significantly influenced legislative reform.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gska2.rada.gov.ua:7777/site/postanova_eng/Rres_Declaration_Independence_rev12.htm|title=Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Resolution On Declaration of Independence of Ukraine|access-date=11 October 2007|work=Official website of the Verkhovna Rada|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930203430/http://gska2.rada.gov.ua:7777/site/postanova_eng/Rres_Declaration_Independence_rev12.htm|archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref>

[[File:UkraineFlag.png|thumb|left|Modern [[flag of Ukraine]]]]
To solidify its national identity, Ukraine adopted state symbols that resonated with historical and cultural significance. The Parliament selected the [[Flag of Ukraine|blue-and-yellow flag]] and the [[coat of arms of Ukraine|tryzub]] (trident) as national emblems, which became powerful representations of Ukrainian sovereignty and unity.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ukraine's national flag celebrating 25th anniversary today|url=https://www.unian.info/society/1747301-ukraines-national-flag-celebrating-25th-anniversary-today.html|access-date=4 March 2022|website=[[UNIAN]]|date=28 January 2017 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Symbolsx2">{{cite news|last=Trach|first=Nataliya|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine-politics/the-story-behind-2-top-ukrainian-symbols-national-flag-and-trident-421675.html|title=The story behind 2 top Ukrainian symbols: National flag and trident|publisher=Kyiv Post|date=26 August 2016|access-date=27 August 2016}}</ref>

A significant historical moment of this period was the transfer of powers from the [[President of Ukraine (in exile)|President of the Ukrainian People's Republic in exile]], [[Mykola Plaviuk]], to the newly elected President of independent Ukraine, Leonid Kravchuk, during the solemn session of the Verkhovna Rada on 22 August 1992 in [[Kyiv]]. This transfer, while largely symbolic, marked a continuity of the Ukrainian struggle for independence, linking the efforts of past leaders to those of the new government. This act represented the culmination of over 70 years of Ukrainian national aspirations and signaled a deepening commitment to the state’s sovereignty and historical continuity.<ref name="Plaviuk163058UPR"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uvkr.com.ua/ua/visnyk/uvkr-2002/august/gr-ukr.html|title=10 years since the Government center of the UNR in exile gave to the free and sovereign Ukraine the symbols of government authority. This establishes that Ukraine is the legal successor to the Ukrainian National Republic. This action was proclaimed by the former President of the UNR in exile Mykola Plaviuk|accessdate=18 December 2008|work=Visnyka UVKR|publisher=Ukrainian World Coordination Council|language=Ukrainian|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727114824/http://www.uvkr.com.ua/ua/visnyk/uvkr-2002/august/gr-ukr.html|archivedate=27 July 2011}}</ref> In his declaration, Plaviuk proclaimed that the current Ukrainian state is the lawful successor to the Ukrainian People's Republic and a continuation of its authority and state traditions.<ref>{{cite news|first=Mykhailo|last=Rol|title=Tenth President|url=http://www.umoloda.kiev.ua/number/352/264/12716/|publisher=Ukrayina Moloda|accessdate=30 December 2008|language=Ukrainian}}</ref><ref name="Plaviuk163058UPR">{{Cite web|date=22 August 2023|title=Ukraine is the legal successor of the Ukrainian People's Republic|url=https://www.istpravda.com.ua/columns/2023/08/22/163058/|access-date=22 August 2023|website=[[Istorychna Pravda]] |language=Ukrainian}}</ref>{{efn|According to [[Ukrainian law]] current Ukraine is the [[successor state]] of the [[Ukrainian SSR]] that was part of the [[Soviet Union]].<ref name="Plaviuk163058UPR"/><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=BNUtdVrw6lIC&dq=16+July+1991+Ukrainian+state+sovereignty.&pg=PA722 A History of Ukraine: The Land and Its Peoples] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407100810/https://books.google.com/books?id=BNUtdVrw6lIC&dq=16+July+1991+Ukrainian+state+sovereignty.&pg=PA722 |date=7 April 2023 }} by [[Paul Robert Magocsi]], [[University of Toronto Press]], 2010, {{ISBN|1442610212}} (page 563/564 & 722/723)</ref>}}

The [[Budapest Memorandum]] on Security Assurances, signed on 5 December 1994, by Ukraine, [[Russia]], the [[United States]], and the [[United Kingdom]], was a critical agreement in post-Soviet geopolitics. It formalized the process by which Ukraine surrendered the world’s third-largest [[nuclear arsenal]], inherited after the Soviet Union's collapse, which included approximately 1,900 strategic [[nuclear warheads]]. Although these weapons were stationed on Ukrainian territory, they were operationally controlled by Moscow, and Ukraine’s possession of such an arsenal posed significant concerns for global non-proliferation efforts. In return for surrendering the weapons, the signatory powers provided assurances of Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. The memorandum guaranteed that no force or threats of force would be used against Ukraine, and no economic or political pressure would be employed to undermine its status. It also affirmed that the [[United Nations Security Council]] would intervene in case of aggression against Ukraine. However, the assurances were political commitments, not legally binding guarantees, which made their enforcement dependent on the goodwill of the signatories.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cfr.org/nonproliferation-arms-control-and-disarmament/budapest-memorandums-security-assurances-1994/p32484 |title=Budapest Memorandums on Security Assurances, 1994 - Council on Foreign Relations |publisher=Cfr.org |date=5 December 1994 |access-date=7 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312052208/http://www.cfr.org/nonproliferation-arms-control-and-disarmament/budapest-memorandums-security-assurances-1994/p32484 |archive-date=12 March 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=UKR>Paull, John (2023). [http://www.academia.edu/98199478/War_in_Ukraine_From_Treaty_to_Treachery War in Ukraine: Treaty to Treachery] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310022214/https://www.academia.edu/98199478/War_in_Ukraine_From_Treaty_to_Treachery |date=10 March 2023 }},  
in Proceedings of Russia-Ukraine War: Consequences for the World, 3rd International Scientific and Practical Internet Conference, 2–3 March 2023. WayScience, Dnipro, Ukraine (pp. 18-20)</ref>

The transition to a [[market economy]] was compounded by inflation and political instability. The absence of immediate reforms led to widespread frustration, culminating in a snap [[1994 Ukrainian presidential election|presidential election in 1994]], where Leonid Kravchuk was succeeded by [[Leonid Kuchma]], an engineer and former Soviet official. Kuchma’s presidency aimed at modernizing Ukraine’s economy and fostering a balanced relationship with both Russia and [[Western Europe]], a delicate approach to preserving Ukraine’s independence amid complex geopolitical pressures.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Birch |first=Sarah |date=1995 |title=The Ukrainian parliamentary and presidential elections of 1994 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0261-3794(95)95775-6 |journal=Electoral Studies |volume=14 |issue=1 |pages=93–99 |doi=10.1016/0261-3794(95)95775-6 |issn=0261-3794}}</ref>

[[File:Grivna 1.jpg|thumb|11th–12th century Kyiv hryvnia, as reproduced by the [[National Bank of Ukraine]]]]
Trying to stabilize the economy, back in 1992, Ukraine introduced a temporary currency, the [[Ukrainian karbovanets]]. This currency was intended to serve as a stopgap measure until a more permanent solution could be implemented. The karbovanets quickly devalued, contributing to growing economic instability.<ref>НБР: [http://www.bank.gov.ua/control/en/publish/article?art_id=37482&cat_id=37437 History of Hryvnia]</ref> In 1996, Ukraine introduced the [[Hryvnia]] as the national currency, marking a significant milestone in the country’s economic transition and further solidifying its independence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bank.gov.ua/control/en/publish/printable_article;jsessionid=15111854B1ABFB8B3B2073ED5CB1BD7F?art_id=37482&showTitle=true|title=National Bank of Ukraine|website=Bank.gov.ua|access-date=11 February 2017|archive-date=2 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402175059/https://www.bank.gov.ua/control/en/publish/printable_article;jsessionid=15111854B1ABFB8B3B2073ED5CB1BD7F?art_id=37482&showTitle=true|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Matvienko>{{cite web|url=http://www.obriy.pib.com.ua/2002/04_02/01.htm |title=Volodymyr Matvienko. Autograph on Hryvnia |language=uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231072715/http://www.obriy.pib.com.ua/2002/04_02/01.htm |archive-date=31 December 2008 }}</ref> It is named after [[Grivna|a measure of weight]] used in [[Kievan Rus']].<ref name="Langer">{{cite book |last1=Langer |first1=Lawrence N. |title=Historical Dictionary of Medieval Russia |date=2002 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=9780810866188 |pages=56–57 |chapter=Grivna |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DlWPEH3dF38C&pg=PA56 |access-date=2 March 2022 |archive-date=17 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117181510/https://books.google.com/books?id=DlWPEH3dF38C&pg=PA56 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Despite disputes in the Verkhovna Rada, which at the time struggled to reach consensus on reform initiatives and reconcile the interests of pro-Western and pro-Russian factions, Ukraine took a decisive step in defining its legal structure by adopting the [[Constitution of Ukraine]] on 28 June 1996. This document established Ukraine as a [[Democracy|democratic]], law-based state with a presidential-parliamentary system, clearly delineating the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Drafted with input from various political factions and scholars, the Constitution enshrined Ukraine’s commitment to legal governance and [[human rights]], becoming a cornerstone for Ukraine’s development as an independent nation.<ref name="UNIANCD28616">[http://www.unian.info/society/1389415-ukraine-celebrating-20th-anniversary-of-constitution.html Ukraine celebrating 20th anniversary of Constitution], [[UNIAN]] (28 June 2016)</ref>

At the end of its transition, Ukraine created the main components of its independence. With its own currency, Constitution, national symbols, and a growing sense of [[national identity]], Ukraine began to chart its course as a [[sovereign state]]. Despite the fact that the post-Soviet transition period caused numerous economic and political challenges, this formative period played an important role in shaping the direction and identity of [[Ukraine|modern Ukraine]].

<gallery>
File:Buleten 1991-12.jpg|[[Declaration of Independence of Ukraine]]. As printed on the ballot for the national referendum on December 1, 1991.
File:Leonid Kravchuk.jpg|[[Leonid Kravchuk]], the first President of Ukraine, in 1992
File:Kuchmaukraine.jpg|[[Leonid Kuchma]], the second President of Ukraine, in 2001
File:Constitution_of_Ukraine.jpg|[[Constitution of Ukraine]]
</gallery>

==== Strengthening and growing contradictions ====
{{Main|Cassette Scandal}}
{{See also|Viktor Yushchenko|Yulia Tymoshenko}}

The [[1999 Ukrainian presidential election|third presidential election in Ukraine]] took place in 1999, resulting in a victory for [[Leonid Kuchma]], who defeated [[Petro Symonenko]] in the run-off. This secured Kuchma a second consecutive term. However, his second term was plagued by widespread controversies, including allegations of authoritarianism, pervasive corruption scandals, curtailment of media freedoms, and large-scale public protests that challenged his leadership and legitimacy.<ref>[[Dieter Nohlen]] & Philip Stöver (2010) ''Elections in Europe: A data handbook'', p. 1976. {{ISBN|9783832956097}}</ref>

[[File:Ukraine_Without_Kuchma_6_February.jpg|thumb|left|Protests of 6 February 2001 during Ukraine without Kuchma campaign]]
One of the darkest episodes of Kuchma’s presidency was the "[[Cassette Scandal]]", which erupted after recordings allegedly made by his former bodyguard, [[Mykola Melnychenko]], were leaked. These recordings implicated Kuchma in severe abuses of power, including involvement in the murder of journalist [[Georgiy Gongadze]], as well as corruption and electoral manipulations. The scandal provoked massive public outrage, culminating in the "[[Ukraine without Kuchma]]" protests of 2000–2001. These protests, marked by their intensity and broad support, severely undermined Kuchma's standing both domestically and internationally.<ref name="BBCprofileUkraine">[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18018002 Ukraine country profile – Overview] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325182022/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18018002 |date=25 March 2022 }}, [[BBC News]]</ref><ref>Adrian Karatnycky, "Ukraine's Orange Revolution," ''Foreign Affairs'', Vol. 84, No. 2 (March – April 2005), pp. 35–52 [https://www.jstor.org/stable/20034274 in JSTOR] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206103903/https://www.jstor.org/stable/20034274 |date=6 December 2018 }}</ref>

During his presidency, Kuchma’s administration was accused of suppressing opposition media outlets and harassing journalists and political opponents. High-profile figures like [[Viacheslav Chornovil]] died under mysterious circumstances, further fueling suspicions of state complicity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2006 |title=Vyacheslav Chornovil was murdered, rather than killed in road accident |url=http://www.nrcu.gov.ua/index.php?id=148&listid=33534 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928014426/http://www.nrcu.gov.ua/index.php?id=148&listid=33534 |archive-date=28 September 2007 |access-date=5 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ukrainian Government Archives |url=https://www.archives.gov.ua/Sections/Ukraineomni/prechornovil.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303233412/http://www.archives.gov.ua/Sections/Ukraineomni/prechornovil.htm |archive-date=3 March 2016 |access-date=26 October 2017}}</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1102303.stm#media "Country profile: Ukraine"], [[BBC News]]</ref> Historian [[Serhy Yekelchyk]] observed that Kuchma's government "employed electoral fraud freely", particularly during the 1999 presidential elections and the [[2000 Ukrainian constitutional referendum|2000 constitutional referendum]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=_KRBCgAAQBAJ&dq=Ukrainian+constitutional+referendum+election+fraud+2000&pg=PA87 ''The Conflict in Ukraine: What Everyone Needs to Know''] by [[Serhy Yekelchyk]], [[Oxford University Press]], 2015, {{ISBN|0190237287}} (page 87)</ref>

Amid these challenges, [[Viktor Yushchenko]], a respected economist and reformer, rose to prominence. His tenure as the Governor of the [[National Bank of Ukraine]] earned him recognition for his professionalism and integrity, which led to his appointment as [[Prime Minister of Ukraine|Prime Minister]] in 1999, during Kuchma's re-election campaign. Yushchenko was perceived as a technocratic leader capable of addressing Ukraine’s economic stagnation and corruption.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Viktor-Yushchenko|title=Viktor Yushchenko|encyclopedia=Britannica|access-date=6 December 2024}}</ref>

[[File:Viktor_Yushchenko_in_Polish_parliament..jpg|thumb|Yushchenko as prime minister visiting Poland in 2000]]
Initially, Yushchenko's government embarked on an ambitious reform agenda. These reforms included fiscal discipline, restructuring of key industries, and efforts to stabilize the economy, which had suffered during Kuchma’s first term. However, Yushchenko's policies soon clashed with the entrenched oligarchic networks that had flourished under Kuchma's protection. These oligarchic factions, wielding significant influence in Parliament and the Kuchma administration, actively resisted reforms that threatened their monopolistic practices and access to state resources.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/apr/27/iantraynor|title = Ukraine's popular PM forced out|website = [[TheGuardian.com]]|date = 27 April 2001}}</ref>

One of the most contentious episodes of Yushchenko’s premiership was the dismissal of his deputy prime minister, [[Yulia Tymoshenko]], in 2001. Tymoshenko, who spearheaded anti-corruption initiatives and energy sector reforms, posed a significant challenge to oligarchic interests. Under pressure from Kuchma and oligarchic allies, Yushchenko was forced to dismiss Tymoshenko, a move that symbolized the constraints on reform under Kuchma’s presidency. Shortly after, the [[Verkhovna Rada]], dominated by pro-Kuchma factions, passed a vote of no confidence in Yushchenko’s government, effectively ending his tenure as Prime Minister. Kuchma’s lack of support during this political crisis highlighted the deepening rift between the two leaders.<ref name="LushnyckyRiabchuk2009">{{cite book|first1=Andrej N.|last1=Lushnycky|first2=Mykola|last2=Riabchuk|author-link2=Mykola Riabchuk|title=Ukraine on Its Meandering Path Between East and West|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cQqr7f9QkngC&pg=PA87|access-date=7 November 2015|year=2009|publisher=Peter Lang|isbn=978-3-03911-607-2|page=87}}</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=uU-uTX6IYCQC&pg=PT77 Energy Dependency, Politics and Corruption in the Former Soviet Union: Russia's Power, Oligarchs' Profits and Ukraine's Missing Energy Policy, 1995–2006] by Margarita M. Balmaceda, [[Routledge]], 2007, {{ISBN|978-0-415-43779-0}}, p. 59.</ref>

Following his dismissal, Yushchenko became a potent symbol of reform and anti-corruption, gaining significant public support. In 2002, he founded the "[[Our Ukraine–People's Self-Defense Bloc|Our Ukraine]]" (''Nasha Ukrayina'') political coalition, which championed pro-Western and democratic ideals. This bloc emerged as a key opposition force against Kuchma’s policies and set the stage for the pivotal [[2004 Ukrainian presidential election|2004 presidential election]]. In this election, Yushchenko, as the leading opposition candidate, challenged [[Viktor Yanukovych]], Kuchma’s chosen successor, in a contest that would shape Ukraine’s political trajectory for years to come.<ref name=CarnIP>[https://books.google.com/books?id=X0PAQrsx-6YC&q=Force+of+the+people&pg=PA34 ''Revolution in Orange: The Origins of Ukraine's Democratic Breakthrough''] by [[Anders Aslund]] and [[Michael A. McFaul]], [[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]], 2006, {{ISBN|0-87003-221-6}}; {{ISBN|978-0-87003-221-9}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Georgi gongadse.jpg|[[Georgiy Gongadze]], journalist, founder of a popular Internet newspaper ''[[Ukrainska Pravda]]'', who was kidnapped and murdered in 2000
File:Vladimir Putin at CIS Summit 30 November-1 December 2000-2.jpg|Leonid Kuchma with Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] and Azerbaijani President [[Heydar Aliyev]]
File:Julija tymoschenko 2002.jpg|[[Yulia Tymoshenko]], Yushchenko's deputy prime minister, in 2002
</gallery>

==== Orange Revolution and post-revolution challenges====
{{Main|Orange Revolution|2008 Ukrainian political crisis|Russia–Ukraine gas disputes}}
{{See also|Viktor Yanukovych}}

In 2004, Ukrainian President [[Leonid Kuchma]] announced he would not seek re-election after serving two terms in office. This decision created a political vacuum that set the stage for a highly contested [[2004 Ukrainian presidential election|2004 presidential election]] between two main candidates. [[Viktor Yanukovych]], the incumbent [[Prime Minister]], was supported by Kuchma and the [[Russian Federation]]. He advocated closer ties with Russia. On the other hand, [[Viktor Yushchenko]], the opposition leader, campaigned as a reformist, emphasizing democratic changes and closer integration with the [[European Union]].<ref name=CarnIP/><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 March 2022 |title=Yanukovych is president |url=https://www.uawarexplained.com/yanukovych/?version=sixty-minutes/ |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=UaWarExplained.com |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Ukrainian_Round_Table_2004.jpg|thumb|left|Round table talks with Ukrainian and foreign representatives during the Orange Revolution]]
The campaign highlighted deep regional and cultural divisions within Ukraine. The western and central regions of the country rallied behind Yushchenko, while the eastern and southern regions strongly supported Yanukovych. A prominent figure in Yushchenko's coalition was [[Yulia Tymoshenko]], a charismatic and polarizing politician. Known for her iconic braided hairstyle and fiery rhetoric, Tymoshenko played a pivotal role in galvanizing support for the opposition. Her speeches and leadership became symbols of the movement for change.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.for-ua.com/news/2009/12/11/162738.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708110747/https://en.for-ua.com/news/2009/12/11/162738.html|archive-date=8 July 2012 |title=Tymoshenko does not regret supporting Yushchenko in 2004 |publisher=En.for-ua.com |date=11 December 2009 |access-date=28 December 2013}}</ref>

The second round of the presidential election, held on 21 November 2004, officially declared Viktor Yanukovych as the winner. However, widespread allegations of electoral fraud, including ballot-stuffing, voter intimidation, and falsification of results, led to a political crisis. The situation was further intensified by the attempted poisoning of Viktor Yushchenko with [[2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin|dioxin]] during the campaign, which left him severely disfigured. This attack garnered widespread sympathy for Yushchenko and galvanized his supporters.<ref name="CNN: Doctors: Yushchenko was poisoned">{{cite news|first=Jill |last=Dougherty |title=Doctors: Yushchenko was poisoned |url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/12/11/yushchenko.austria/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=11 December 2004 |access-date=2 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070218082557/http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/12/11/yushchenko.austria/index.html |archive-date=18 February 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="CBS: Yushchenko: Live And Carry On">{{cite news | title = Yushchenko: 'Live And Carry On' | publisher = CBS News | date = 30 January 2005 | url = https://www.cbsnews.com/news/yushchenko-live-and-carry-on/ | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025143917/https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/01/28/60minutes/main670103.shtml |archive-date = 25 October 2012 }}</ref>

The announcement of Yanukovych’s victory sparked massive protests, marking the beginning of the [[Orange Revolution]], a landmark event in Ukraine’s modern history. From 22 November 2004, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians gathered at [[Kyiv]]’s [[Maidan Nezalezhnosti]] (Independence Square), demanding justice, democracy, and fair elections. The protesters adopted the color orange, symbolizing Yushchenko’s campaign and the broader ideals of hope and resistance to corruption and authoritarianism.<ref name=CarnIP/>

[[File:Morning_first_day_of_Orange_Revolution.jpg|thumb|Orange-clad demonstrators gather in the [[Maidan Nezalezhnosti|Independence Square]] in Kyiv]]
Yulia Tymoshenko emerged as a central figure in the revolution, inspiring crowds with her impassioned speeches and coordinating efforts to sustain the movement. The protests remained largely peaceful, with participants emphasizing nonviolence and civil disobedience, despite provocations aimed at inciting unrest. On 3 December 2004, Ukraine’s [[Supreme Court]] invalidated the election results due to evidence of fraud and ordered a re-run of the runoff. This repeat election, held on 26 December 2004, resulted in Viktor Yushchenko's victory with 52% of the vote. Yanukovych resigned as Prime Minister, and his cabinet was dismissed on 5 January 2005. Yushchenko's inauguration as president marked the culmination of the Orange Revolution.<ref name="Forua_110055">{{cite news|url=http://en.for-ua.com/news/2007/08/15/110055.html|title=Half of Ukrainians ready to deprive Yushchenko of presidency|publisher=ForUm News agency|date=15 August 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929120717/http://en.for-ua.com/news/2007/08/15/110055.html|archive-date=29 September 2007}}</ref><ref name=CarnIP/>

In February 2005, Yulia Tymoshenko was appointed [[Prime Minister]], cementing her role as a key political figure in post-revolution Ukraine. However, the Orange coalition faced internal struggles during Yushchenko’s presidency. Relations between Yushchenko and Tymoshenko began to deteriorate, weakening the government’s ability to implement reforms. In September 2005, Yushchenko dismissed Tymoshenko from her position as Prime Minister, creating a rift that would have lasting effects on Ukrainian politics.<ref name=CarnIP/><ref>{{cite news |first=Mark |last=MacKinnon |url= https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/peace-deal-that-frees-yulia-tymoshenko-a-harsh-blow-to-ukraines-president/article17052169/ |title=Peace deal that frees Yulia Tymoshenko a harsh blow to Ukraine's President |publisher=The Globe and Mail |date=21 February 2014 |access-date=7 November 2015}}</ref>

Under Yushchenko, Ukraine’s foreign policy shifted toward strengthening [[EU–Ukraine relations|ties with the European Union]], often at the expense of its [[Russia–Ukraine relations|relationship with Russia]]. This realignment caused tensions, particularly over energy issues. In 2005, a [[Russia-Ukraine gas dispute|dispute over natural gas prices]] with Russia resulted in shortages across [[Europe]], as Ukraine served as a critical transit country for gas supplies. A compromise was reached in January 2006, but the incident underscored the fragility of Ukraine's relations with its eastern neighbor.<ref name="BBCprofileYushchenko">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4035789.stm Profile: Viktor Yushchenko] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023150016/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4035789.stm |date=23 October 2017 }}, [[BBC News]]</ref><ref name="BBCprofileUkraine2012">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1102303.stm Ukraine country profile – Overview 2012] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609073220/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1102303.stm |date=9 June 2012 }}, [[BBC News]]</ref>

[[File:2006_Ukrainian_parliamentary_election.svg|thumb|left|Results of the 2006 Ukrainian parliamentary election, showing the most popular party in each electoral okrug]]
The [[2006 Ukrainian parliamentary election|2006 parliamentary elections in Ukraine]] reflected a deeply fragmented political landscape. The elections were marked by the re-emergence of Viktor Yanukovych, a rival of President Viktor Yushchenko and a proponent of closer ties with Russia. Yanukovych’s [[Party of Regions]] secured significant support, enabling him to become Prime Minister. This marked a shift in Ukraine’s political orientation, with Yanukovych advocating for a more pro-Russian agenda in contrast to Yushchenko’s pro-European stance. The elections exacerbated tensions between the presidency and parliament, as the balance of power between the two branches of government became a central issue. Frequent political deadlocks ensued, paralyzing governance and delaying key reforms. The strained relationship between Yushchenko and Yanukovych led to a standoff, which ultimately resulted in [[2007 Ukrainian parliamentary election|snap elections in 2007]]. The snap elections led to the formation of a coalition opposed to Yanukovych’s agenda. Yulia Tymoshenko returned as Prime Minister, yet the political environment remained fraught with instability. Conflicts between Yushchenko and Tymoshenko, which had begun earlier, persisted, further weakening the government and contributing to widespread public frustration.<ref>[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-mar-26-fg-ukraine26-story.html Ukraine Is the Winner as Nation Heads to the Polls], ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' (26 March 2006)</ref><ref name="meeting_30Sept">{{cite news|url=http://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/data/1_16140.html|title=Ukraine leaders agree on poll date|publisher=Secretariat of President of Ukraine|date=27 May 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070906124644/http://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/data/1_16140.html|archive-date=6 September 2007}}</ref><ref name="Agreement_27May">{{cite news|url=http://en.for-ua.com/news/2007/05/29/101029.html|title=Ukraine leaders sign joint statement|date=27 May 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130219181612/http://en.for-ua.com/news/2007/05/29/101029.html|archive-date=19 February 2013}}</ref>

Tensions reached a breaking point in September 2008, triggering [[2008 Ukrainian political crisis|a major political crisis]]. The crisis began when Yushchenko’s [[Our Ukraine–People’s Self-Defense Bloc]] (NU-NS) withdrew from the governing coalition after the [[Bloc Yulia Tymoshenko]] (BYuT) sided with the opposition [[Party of Regions]] in supporting a bill on 4 September 2008 that sought to curtail the president’s powers in favor of the prime minister and parliament. Yushchenko saw this as a direct challenge to his authority, accusing Tymoshenko of betraying the coalition’s principles and aligning with pro-Russian forces. On 16 September 2008, the official collapse of the BYuT/NU-NS coalition was announced. As attempts to restore the alliance failed, this led to a deepening political stalemate.<ref name="zik.com.ua">{{cite news|url=http://zik.com.ua/en/news/2008/09/04/148874|title=Rada clipping Yushchenko's wings by reassigning prosecutor general and heads of oblast and city administrations|publisher=Western Information Agency|date=4 September 2008|access-date=11 September 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080920080029/http://zik.com.ua/en/news/2008/09/04/148874| archive-date= 20 September 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>

[[File:Flickr - europeanpeoplesparty - EPP Summit Lisbone 18 October 2007 (27).jpg|thumb|Yushchenko and Tymoshenko representing their parties at the Summit of [[European People's Party]], [[Lisbon]], [[Portugal]], 18 October 2007]]
The crisis finally ended on 9 December 2008, when the Orange Coalition was reformed, now including [[Lytvyn Bloc]]. This followed the election of [[Volodymyr Lytvyn]] as parliamentary speaker on 8 December, securing his faction’s support for a new governing majority. Shortly after, on 16 December 2008, a new government was formed, representing a 245-seat parliamentary majority composed of the Lytvyn Bloc, the Bloc Yulia Tymoshenko, and Our Ukraine–People's Self-Defense Bloc. Though this coalition temporarily stabilized the political landscape, deep divisions among Ukraine’s leadership persisted, continuing to undermine governance and public confidence.<ref>[http://www.kyivpost.com/nation/32015 Three factions sign coalition agreement], [[Kyiv Post]] (16 December 2008)</ref>

Ukraine was severely impacted by the [[Great Recession|global financial crisis of 2008-2009]]. The crisis led to a sharp economic downturn, with GDP contracting significantly as demand for Ukraine’s key exports, such as steel, plummeted. The government faced a budgetary crisis and had to rely on a bailout from the [[International Monetary Fund]] (IMF) to stabilize the economy. The IMF package came with stringent conditions, including fiscal austerity measures and structural reforms, which sparked domestic controversy. Adding to Ukraine’s economic woes was an escalating energy dispute with Russia. Ukraine, as a major transit country for Russian natural gas to Europe, found itself at the center of geopolitical tensions. Disagreements over gas pricing and transit fees between Ukraine’s [[Naftogaz]] and Russia’s [[Gazprom]] reached a boiling point in 2009.<ref name="Ukrainian recession data">{{cite web|url=http://ukrstat.org/en/druk/publicat/kat_u/2013/sb/08_13/zb_krvp_01_12.zip|title=Quarterly gross domestic product estimates of Ukraine for 2001 – 2012|format=PDF|work=Seasonally Adjustment of gross domestic product at constant prices of 2007 (Table 5.1 - Gross Domestic Product, page 99)|publisher=State Statistics Service Of Ukraine|date=30 August 2013|access-date=10 June 2023|archive-date=13 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813103304/http://ukrstat.org/en/druk/publicat/kat_u/2013/sb/08_13/zb_krvp_01_12.zip|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

[[File:Major russian gas pipelines to europe.png|thumb|left|Natural gas pipelines from Russia to Europe]]
The [[2009 Russia–Ukraine gas dispute|2009 gas conflict]] was a major standoff that highlighted Ukraine’s vulnerability and its dependence on Russian energy. The dispute centered on allegations of unpaid bills and demands by Russia for higher gas prices. In January 2009, Gazprom cut off gas supplies to [[Europe]] via Ukraine, plunging several European countries into an energy crisis during the winter. Negotiations eventually resulted in a new agreement, but the episode underscored the fragility of Ukraine’s energy security. The crisis damaged Ukraine’s reputation as a reliable transit country and strained its relations with both Russia and the European Union. It also placed significant financial pressure on the government, further destabilizing the economy.<ref name="Russia to cut Ukraine gas supply">{{cite news| title = Russia to cut Ukraine gas supply |work=BBC News | date =5 January 2009| url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7812368.stm| accessdate =5 January 2009| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090117130639/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7812368.stm| archivedate=17 January 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref>

Throughout this period, the rivalry between Yushchenko and Tymoshenko continued to destabilize [[Politics of Ukraine|Ukrainian politics]]. Their clashes over policy, governance, and political priorities created a climate of dysfunction. Tymoshenko accused Yushchenko of obstructing her efforts to address economic and social issues, while Yushchenko criticized her populist policies as reckless and counterproductive. These internal conflicts not only hindered progress but also deepened public disillusionment with the political elite.

<gallery>
File:Портрет_3-го_президента_України_Віктора_Ющенка.jpeg|Official portrait of [[Viktor Yushchenko]], the 3rd president of Ukraine
File:Tymoshenko Appointment Feb04 2005.jpg|[[Yulia Tymoshenko]] in [[Verkhovna Rada|Parliament]], 4 February 2005
File:BushYushchenkoWH1.jpg|Yushchenko meeting U.S. President [[George W. Bush]] at an April 2005 press conference
File:Flickr - europeanpeoplesparty - EPP Summit 19 March 2009 (91) (cropped).jpg|Viktor Yushchenko with Yulia Tymoshenko in 2009
</gallery>

==== Period of political turbulence ====
{{Main|2010 Ukrainian presidential election|2012 Ukrainian parliamentary election}}
{{See also|Party of Regions|Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform|Svoboda (political party)}}

By the time of [[2010 Ukrainian presidential election|Ukraine's 2010 presidential election]], the alliance between [[Viktor Yushchenko]] and [[Yulia Tymoshenko]], key figures of the [[Orange Revolution]], had disintegrated. Tymoshenko competed against both Yushchenko and [[Viktor Yanukovych]] in a tightly contested three-way race.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 March 2022 |title=The Orange Revolution |url=https://www.uawarexplained.com/orange-revolution/?version=sixty-minutes/ |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=UaWarExplained.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name="BBCprofileUkraine"/> With Yushchenko’s approval rating drastically weakened, many pro-Orange voters abstained, leading to a runoff between Tymoshenko and Yanukovych.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100215041206/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1963613,00.html Ukraine's New President: Is the Orange Revolution Over?], [[Time.com]] (11 February 2010)</ref> In the final round, Yanukovych secured the presidency with 48% of the vote, while Tymoshenko received 45%.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 March 2022 |title=The Orange Revolution |url=https://www.uawarexplained.com/yanukovych/?version=sixty-minutes/ |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=UaWarExplained.com |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Dmitry Medvedev in Kharkov - 21 April 2010-9.jpeg|thumb|Signing of the Kharkiv Pact on 21 April 2010]]
Upon taking office, Yanukovych and his [[Party of Regions]] swiftly moved to consolidate power.<ref>[http://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/andreas-umland/ukraine-right-wing-politics-is-genie-out-of-bottle Ukraine right-wing politics: is the genie out of the bottle?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014083516/http://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/andreas-umland/ukraine-right-wing-politics-is-genie-out-of-bottle |date=14 October 2017 }}, [[openDemocracy.net]] (3 January 2011)<br />[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12171740 Ukraine viewpoint: Novelist Andrey Kurkov] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011223832/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12171740 |date=11 October 2018 }}, [[BBC News]] (13 January 2011)<br />[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12042561 Ukraine ex-PM Tymoshenko charged with misusing funds] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201225215/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12042561 |date=1 December 2017 }}, [[BBC News]] (20 December 2010)<br />[http://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/osw-commentary/2010-09-29/party-regions-monopolises-power-ukraine#_ftn5 The Party of Regions monopolises power in Ukraine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903124818/http://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/osw-commentary/2010-09-29/party-regions-monopolises-power-ukraine#_ftn5 |date=3 September 2011 }}, [[Centre for Eastern Studies]] (29 September 2010)<br />[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12219712 Ukraine launches battle against corruption] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321003502/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-12219712 |date=21 March 2017 }}, [[BBC News]] (18 January 2011)<br />[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11549381 Ukrainians' long wait for prosperity] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321004648/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11549381 |date=21 March 2017 }}, [[BBC News]] (18 October 2010)<br />[http://pulitzercenter.org/blog/news-points/ukraine-press-censorship-journalists-uncertain-future Ukraine:Journalists Face Uncertain Future] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005204055/http://pulitzercenter.org/blog/news-points/ukraine-press-censorship-journalists-uncertain-future |date=5 October 2011 }}, [[Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting]] (27 October 2010)<br />{{cite news |date=25 May 2011 |title=Our Ukraine comes to defense of Tymoshenko, Lutsenko, Didenko, Makarenko in statement |publisher=[[Interfax-Ukraine]] |url=http://www.interfax.com.ua/eng/main/69573/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603124713/http://www.interfax.com.ua/eng/main/69573/ |archive-date=3 June 2012}}</ref> In March 2010, the newly formed parliamentary majority, the "Coalition of Stability and Reforms", dismissed Tymoshenko as Prime Minister, replacing her with Yanukovych’s longtime ally, [[Mykola Azarov]].<ref name=newPMAZ>{{cite news|url=http://unian.net/eng/news/news-366879.html|date=11 March 2010|title=Azarov became Prime Minister|agency=[[Ukrainian Independent Information Agency|UNIAN]]|access-date=11 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100314085313/http://unian.net/eng/news/news-366879.html|archive-date=14 March 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> His administration pursued closer ties with Russia, notably signing the controversial [[Kharkiv Pact]], which extended Russia’s [[Black Sea Fleet]] lease in [[Sevastopol]] until 2042 in exchange for discounted gas prices. The deal sparked protests from pro-European and nationalist groups, who saw it as a threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2010/05/14/5040281/ |script-title=uk:"Харківський пакт" не гарантує, що з ЧФ РФ не буде проблем |date=14 May 2010 |publisher=[[Ukrayinska Pravda]] |language=uk |access-date=11 June 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100619110246/http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2010/05/14/5040281/| archive-date= 19 June 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=cnn21410>{{cite news|title=Russia, Ukraine agree on naval-base-for-gas deal|date=21 April 2010|work=[[CNN]]|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/04/21/russia.ukraine/index.html}}</ref>

In the [[2012 Ukrainian parliamentary election|2012 parliamentary elections]], the Party of Regions further strengthened its grip on power, securing the largest number of seats despite widespread allegations of vote-rigging, administrative pressure, and misuse of state resources. The opposition remained fragmented, though it made notable gains. The newly formed [[Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform|UDAR]] party, led by heavyweight boxing champion [[Vitali Klitschko]], positioned itself as a pro-European force, while the nationalist [[Svoboda (political party)|Svoboda]] party, previously on the political margins, unexpectedly surpassed the electoral threshold, capitalizing on growing dissatisfaction with Yanukovych’s rule.<ref name="CESOlszańskiUKel12">[https://www.osw.waw.pl/en/publikacje/analyses/2012-11-07/after-parliamentary-elections-ukraine-a-tough-victory-party-regions After the parliamentary elections in Ukraine: a tough victory for the Party of Regions], [[Centre for Eastern Studies]] (7 November 2012).</ref>

The largest opposition bloc, Batkivshchyna, led by [[Arseniy Yatsenyuk]] in Tymoshenko’s absence, struggled to counterbalance the ruling party’s dominance. By this time, [[Criminal cases against Yulia Tymoshenko since 2010|Tymoshenko had been imprisoned]] since 2011 on charges of abuse of office, a case widely condemned by Western governments and human rights organizations as politically motivated. Her imprisonment, along with the selective prosecution of other opposition figures, was cited as a key reason for the [[European Union]]'s reluctance to deepen ties with Ukraine under Yanukovych’s leadership.<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Government Statement of Concern about Arrest of Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko |url=http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/government-statement-tymoshenko.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025646/http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/government-statement-tymoshenko.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=8 February 2016}} [[Embassy of the United States, Kyiv|US Embassy, Kyiv]], (24 September 2011)<br />{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14459446 |title=Q&A;: Ukraine's Yulia Tymoshenko on trial|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021141928/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14459446 |archive-date=21 October 2018|work= [[BBC News]]|date= 11 October 2011}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Viktor Yanukovych official portrait.jpg|Official portrait of Viktor Yanukovych, the 4th president of Ukraine
File:Dmitry Medvedev in the United States 14 April 2010-2.jpeg|Yanukovych, [[Nicolas Sarkozy]] and [[Dmitry Medvedev]] before the beginning of the [[Nuclear Security Summit]], 2010
File:Bronisław Komorowski and Viktor Yanukovych 03 - 20110203.jpg|Yanukovych with Polish president [[Bronisław Komorowski]], 3 February 2011
</gallery>

==== Euromaidan and the Revolution of Dignity ====
{{Main|Euromaidan|Revolution of Dignity}}

In late 2013, Ukraine faced a pivotal moment in its modern history. After years of negotiations, the government was expected to sign an [[Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement|Association Agreement with the European Union]]. However, on 21 November 2013, President [[Viktor Yanukovych]] abruptly suspended the signing, citing pressure from [[Russia]]. Instead, the government chose closer alignment with the Russian-led [[Eurasian Economic Union]].<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25182823 Why is Ukraine in turmoil?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218180637/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25182823 |date=18 December 2013 }}, [[BBC News]] (21 February 2014)</ref><ref name="aljVS291113">{{Cite web |title=Ukraine 'still wants to sign EU deal' &#124; News &#124; al Jazeera |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2013/11/ukraine-still-wants-sign-eu-deal-20131129111345619208.html}}</ref>

[[File: Anti-government protests in Kiev (13087651675).jpg|thumb|left|2013 [[Euromaidan]] protests in Kyiv]]
This decision sparked mass protests in [[Kyiv]]'s [[Maidan Nezalezhnosti|Independence Square]] (Maidan Nezalezhnosti), led by students, civic activists, and ordinary citizens who saw European integration as a path to democracy, justice, and modernization. The movement, soon known as [[Euromaidan]], quickly grew into a nationwide uprising.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26249330 Ukraine crisis: Police storm main Kyiv 'Maidan' protest camp] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201194141/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26249330 |date=1 December 2008 }}, [[BBC News]] (19 February 2014)</ref> Tensions escalated after riot police violently dispersed peaceful demonstrators on 30 November, leading to outrage and a wave of solidarity protests across Ukraine. In Kyiv, protesters built a large encampment in Maidan, while demonstrations spread to other major cities, including [[Lviv]], [[Kharkiv]], [[Cherkasy]], [[Ternopil]], [[Ivano-Frankivsk]], [[Odesa]], [[Donetsk]] and others.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26248275 Ukraine protests timeline] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140603193226/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26248275 |date=3 June 2014 }}, [[BBC News]] (21 February 2014)</ref>

Political opposition played a key role in organizing the movement. Three major parties stood against Yanukovych's rule: [[Batkivshchyna]] (Fatherland), led by [[Arseniy Yatsenyuk]]; [[UDAR]], led by boxing champion [[Vitali Klitschko]]; and the nationalist [[Svoboda (political party)|Svoboda]], led by [[Oleh Tyahnybok]]. These parties supported the protests and sought political reforms, including the return to a parliamentary-presidential republic.<ref name=19janKPlive>{{cite news|title=EuroMaidan rallies in Ukraine (Jan. 19 live updates)|url=http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/euromaidan-rallies-in-ukraine-jan-19-live-updates-335218.html|newspaper=[[Kyiv Post]]|date=19 January 2014|access-date=19 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119200703/http://www.kyivpost.com/content/ukraine/euromaidan-rallies-in-ukraine-jan-19-live-updates-335218.html|archive-date=19 January 2014}}</ref>

In January 2014, the government passed harsh anti-protest laws, further fueling unrest. [[2014 Hrushevsky Street protests|Violent clashes broke out]] in central Kyiv, particularly on [[Hrushevsky Street (Kyiv)|Hrushevskyi Street]]. Protesters formed self-defense units, while police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and, eventually, live ammunition.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 January 2014 |title=15 Journalists Injured in Clashes on Hrushevskoho Street |language=en |work=Interfax-Ukraine |url=https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/186657.html |access-date=20 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nst.com.my/latest/200-000-mass-in-ukraine-in-defiance-of-protest-curbs-1.466059 |title=200,000 mass in Ukraine in defiance of protest curbs |newspaper=[[New Straits Times]] |date=19 January 2014 |access-date=19 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119221436/http://www.nst.com.my/latest/200-000-mass-in-ukraine-in-defiance-of-protest-curbs-1.466059 |archive-date=19 January 2014 }}</ref>

[[File:The earthly ways of the Heavenly Hundred 20.jpg|thumb|Faces of deceased protestors in an exhibition at the [[Kyiv History Museum]]]]
The crisis culminated between 18–20 February, when [[Revolution of Dignity|government snipers opened fire on demonstrators]]. Around 100 protesters were killed, later honored as the “[[Maidan casualties|Heavenly Hundred]]” (Небесна Сотня). The violence drew international condemnation, prompting the EU and U.S. to impose sanctions on Ukrainian officials.<ref>{{cite news |author=Sandford Daniel |date=19 February 2014 |title=Ukraine crisis: Renewed Kyiv assault on protesters |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26252679 |access-date=19 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=21 February 2014 |title=Ukraine crisis: Yanukovych announces 'peace deal' |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26284505 |access-date=21 February 2014}}</ref>

On 21 February 2014, President Yanukovych signed an EU-mediated agreement with opposition leaders to hold early elections and restore the 2004 Constitution. However, amid mounting pressure, mass defections from his party, and the loss of support from law enforcement, Yanukovych fled Kyiv that same night. He traveled by helicopter and a car convoy toward [[Eastern Ukraine]], ultimately crossing into Russia. A few days later, he resurfaced in the Russian city of [[Rostov-on-Don]], where he held a press conference.<ref>{{cite news |author=Taylor, Charles |date=28 February 2014 |title=Profile: Ukraine's ousted President Viktor Yanukovych |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25182830 |access-date=4 May 2014}}</ref>

On 22 February 2014, the [[Verkhovna Rada]] voted to remove Yanukovych from office, citing his abandonment of constitutional duties. Parliament also voted to release [[Yulia Tymoshenko]] from prison. That same day, [[Volodymyr Rybak (politician, born 1946)|Volodymyr Rybak]], the parliamentary speaker and Yanukovych ally, resigned, and was replaced by [[Oleksandr Turchynov]], a close associate of Tymoshenko. Turchynov was appointed Acting [[President of Ukraine]] until new elections could be held.<ref>{{cite news |date=23 February 2014 |title=Profile: Olexander Turchynov |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26316268 |access-date=25 February 2014}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Spoilt.exile_23.02.2014_(12756747354).jpg|Maidan from the top
File:Київ Місце бойових дій та масової загибелі громадян в районі Інститутської 8.jpg|Memorial to protesters killed in the Maidan massacre in Kyiv
File:Opposition leaders by the Cabinet of Ministers on Wednesday.jpg|Opposition leaders [[Oleh Tyahnybok]], [[Arseniy Yatsenyuk]] and [[Vitali Klitschko|Vitalii Klychko]] addressing demonstrators
File:SState flag of Ukraine carried by a protester to the heart of developing clashes in Kyiv, Ukraine. Events of February 18, 2014.jpg|State flag of Ukraine behind a wall of anonymous protesters in Kyiv, Ukraine. Events of February 18, 2014
</gallery>

==== Russo-Ukrainian War and Western integration ====
{{Main|Russo-Ukrainian War|Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|War in Donbas|Ukraine–European Union relations|Ukraine–NATO relations|Russian invasion of Ukraine}}

In March 2014, [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|Russia invaded and annexed Crimea]]. Although official results of a [[2014 Crimean status referendum|referendum]] on Crimean reunification with Russia were reported as showing a large majority in favor of the proposition, the vote was organized under Russian military occupation and was denounced by the European Union and the [[United States]] as illegal.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26606097| title = Crimea referendum: Voters 'back Russia union'| date = 10 March 2014| access-date = 4 May 2014
|work = BBC News}}</ref>

[[File:2014-07-31. Батальон «Донбасс» под Первомайском 29.jpg|thumb|left|[[War in Donbas]], [[Pervomaisk, Luhansk Oblast|Pervomaisk]], July 2014]]
The Crimean crisis was followed by [[2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine|pro-Russian unrest]] in [[Eastern Ukraine|east Ukraine]] and [[Southern Ukraine|south Ukraine]].<ref name="Ukraine crisis timeline BBC">[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26248275 Ukraine crisis timeline] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140603193226/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26248275 |date=3 June 2014 }}, [[BBC News]]</ref> In April 2014 Ukrainian separatists [[self-proclaimed]] the [[Donetsk People's Republic]] and [[Luhansk People's Republic]] and held [[2014 Donbas status referendums|referendums]] on 11 May 2014; the separatists claimed nearly 90% voted in favor of independence.<ref>[https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/05/07/310451535/putin-tells-separatists-to-postpone-may-11-referendum Putin Tells Separatists In Ukraine To Postpone 11 May Referendum] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319033458/http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/05/07/310451535/putin-tells-separatists-to-postpone-may-11-referendum |date=19 March 2015 }}, [[NPR]] (7 May 2014)<br />{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27360146 | title=Ukraine rebels hold referendums in Donetsk and Luhansk | work=BBC News | date=11 May 2014 | access-date=11 May 2014}}<br />{{cite news|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/russian-roulette-dispatch-thirty-eight/|title=Russian Roulette (Dispatch Thirty-Eight)|date=13 May 2014|access-date=7 July 2014|newspaper=[[Vice News]]}}</ref><ref name="Ukraine crisis timeline BBC"/> Later in April 2014, fighting between the [[Ukrainian army]] and [[Ukrainian territorial defence battalions|pro-Ukrainian volunteer battalions]] on one side, and forces supporting the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics on the other side, escalated into the [[War in Donbas (2014–2022)|war in Donbas]].<ref name="Ukraine crisis timeline BBC"/><ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30414955 Ukraine underplays role of far right in conflict] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602182154/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30414955 |date=2 June 2018 }}, [[BBC News]] (13 December 2014)</ref> By December 2014, more than 6,400 people had died in this conflict, and according to [[United Nations]] figures it led to over half a million people becoming [[internally displaced]] within Ukraine and two hundred thousand refugees to flee to (mostly) [[Russia]] and other neighboring countries.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30454746 Fergal Keane reports from Mariupol on Ukraine's 'frozen conflict'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723122836/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30454746 |date=23 July 2016 }}, [[BBC News]] (12 December 2014)</ref><ref>[https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=49533#.VI4Wv3vX4Yg Half a million displaced in eastern Ukraine as winter looms, warns UN refugee agency] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111091846/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=49533#.VI4Wv3vX4Yg |date=11 November 2016 }}, [[United Nations]] (5 December 2014)</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28656147 Ukraine conflict: Refugee numbers soar as war rages] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708145441/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28656147 |date=8 July 2018 }}, [[BBC News]] (5 August 2014)</ref><ref>[http://www.rferl.mobi/a/ukraine-death-toll/27047512.html UN Says At Least 6,400 Killed In Ukraine's Conflict Since April 2014] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223061830/http://www.rferl.mobi/a/ukraine-death-toll/27047512.html |date=23 December 2015 }}, [[RFE/RL]] (1 June 2015)</ref> During the same period, political (including adoption of [[Lustration in Ukraine|the law on lustration]] and [[Decommunization in Ukraine|the law on decommunization]]) and economic reforms started.<ref name="carnegie"/> On 25 May 2014, [[Petro Poroshenko]] was elected president<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 March 2022 |title=Petro Poroshenko becomes President of Ukraine |url=https://www.uawarexplained.com/petro-poroshenko-becomes-president-of-ukraine/?version=sixty-minutes/ |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=UaWarExplained.com |language=en}}</ref> in the first round of the presidential election. By the second half of 2015, independent observers noted that reforms in Ukraine had considerably slowed down, [[corruption in Ukraine|corruption]] did not subside, and the [[economy of Ukraine]] was still in a deep crisis.<ref name="carnegie">{{cite web|url=http://carnegieendowment.org/2015/08/19/ukraine-reform-monitor-august-2015/iewe|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150820123300/http://carnegieendowment.org/2015/08/19/ukraine-reform-monitor-august-2015/iewe|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 August 2015|title=Ukraine Reform Monitor: August 2015|date=August 2015|publisher=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace|access-date=22 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-11-06/unreformed-ukraine-is-self-destructing|title=Ukraine Is in Danger of Becoming a Failed State|last=Bershidsky|first=Leonid|date=6 November 2015|work=[[Bloomberg News]]|access-date=8 November 2015|archive-date=10 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110025333/http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-11-06/unreformed-ukraine-is-self-destructing|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/08/25/money-still-rules-ukraine-poroshenko-corruption/|title=Money Still Rules Ukraine|last=Kuzio|first=Taras|date=25 August 2015|work=[[Foreign Policy]]|access-date=22 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://opendemocracy.net/od-russia/mikhail-minakov-maryna-stavniichuk/ukrainian-constitution-reform-or-crisis|title=Ukraine's constitution: reform or crisis?|last1=Minakov|first1=Mikhail|first2=Maryna|last2=Stavniichuk|date=16 February 2016|publisher=OpenDemocracy|access-date=19 February 2016|archive-date=17 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160217091235/https://www.opendemocracy.net/od-russia/mikhail-minakov-maryna-stavniichuk/ukrainian-constitution-reform-or-crisis|url-status=dead}}</ref> By December 2015, more than 9,100 people had died (largely civilians) in the war in Donbas,<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 March 2022 |title=Separate districts of Donbas and Luhansk regions (ORDLO)
 |url=https://www.uawarexplained.com/ldnr/?version=sixty-minutes/ |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=UaWarExplained.com |language=en}}</ref> according to United Nations figures.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/10/world/europe/ukraine-conflict-toll.html?_r=0 At Least 9,115 Killed in Ukraine Conflict, U.N. Says] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724003009/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/10/world/europe/ukraine-conflict-toll.html?_r=0 |date=24 July 2016 }}, [[New York Times]] (9 December 2015)<br />[http://www.rferl.mobi/a/ukraine-separatists-holiday-cease-fire-violations/27445518.html Kyiv, Separatists Accuse Each Other Of Violating Holiday Cease-Fire] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226020428/http://www.rferl.mobi/a/ukraine-separatists-holiday-cease-fire-violations/27445518.html |date=26 December 2015 }}, [[Radio Free Europe]] (24 December 2015)</ref>

The [[Budapest Memorandum]]'s fragility became evident in 2014 when Russia annexed [[Crimea]] and began supporting separatist movements in Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions. These actions violated the agreement’s commitments to respect Ukraine's borders and sovereignty. Russia justified its actions by claiming they were protecting Russian-speaking populations, a rationale widely rejected by the international community. Despite protests from Ukraine and [[Western powers]], no direct action was taken to compel Russia to adhere to the memorandum. The crisis exposed the limitations of non-binding agreements, leaving Ukraine in a precarious position and reshaping the global conversation about security assurances and the reliability of international commitments.<ref name="addvr">{{cite news |title=Address of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to the Guarantor States in accordance with the Budapest Memorandum of 1994 on Security Assurances in connection with Ukraine's accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons |url=https://uk.mfa.gov.ua/en/press-centr/3732-adress |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine |date=1 March 2014 |access-date=19 August 2022 |archive-date=30 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930132229/https://uk.mfa.gov.ua/en/press-centr/3732-adress |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/193360.html|title=Ukrainian parliament appeals to Budapest Memorandum signatories|publisher=Interfax Ukraine|date=28 February 2014|access-date=1 March 2014|archive-date=4 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304202441/http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/193360.html|url-status=live}}</ref>{{better source needed|reason=these are primary sources|date=December 2024}}

On 1 January 2016, Ukraine joined the [[Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area|DCFTA]] with the EU. Ukrainian citizens were granted [[Visa policy of the Schengen Area|visa-free travel]] to the [[Schengen Area]] for up to 90 days during any 180-day period on 11 June 2017, and the Association Agreement formally came into effect on 1 September 2017.<ref name="2017-assoc">{{Cite web |title=European Commission - EU-Ukraine Association Agreement fully enters into force |url=https://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-3045_en.htm |website=europa.eu}} (Press release)</ref> Significant achievements in the foreign policy arena include support for anti-Russian sanctions, obtaining a visa-free regime with the countries of the [[European Union]], and better recognition of the need to overcome extremely difficult tasks within the country. However, the old local authorities did not want any changes; they were cleansed of anti-Maidan activists ([[Lustration in Ukraine|lustration]]), but only in part. The fight against corruption was launched, but was limited to sentences of petty officials and electronic declarations, and the newly established [[National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine|NABU]] and [[National Agency on Corruption Prevention|NACP]] were marked by scandals in their work. Judicial reform was combined with the appointment of old, compromised judges. The investigation of crimes against Maidan residents was delayed. In order to counteract the massive global [[Russian-Ukrainian information war|Russian anti-Ukrainian propaganda]] of the "information war", the [[Ministry of Information Policy (Ukraine)|Ministry of Information Policy]] was created, which for 5 years did not show effective work, except for the ban on [[Kaspersky Lab]], [[Dr.Web]], [[1C Company|1С]], [[Mail.ru Group|Mail.ru]], [[Yandex]] and Russian social networks [[VK (service)|VKontakte]] or [[Odnoklassniki]] and propaganda media. In 2017, the president signed the law "On Education", which met with opposition from national minorities, and quarreled with the [[Government of Hungary]].{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Starobin |first1=Paul |title=Ukraine's real power broker |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraines-real-power-broker-yermak-zelensky-russia-war-biden-2023-12?r=US&IR=T&fbclid=IwAR1UEZLoZyZ37Lo5RirygbAMp94HRKf49VtRXnOMbkkXAJ1Wc0ecHLN28_I |work=[[Business Insider]] |date=18 December 2023}}</ref>

On 19 May 2018, Poroshenko signed a Decree which put into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council on the final termination of Ukraine's participation in the statutory bodies of the [[Commonwealth of Independent States]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Україна остаточно вийшла з СНД |url=https://espreso.tv/news/2018/05/19/ukrayina_ostatochno_vyyshla_z_snd |access-date=19 May 2018 |website=espreso.tv}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Президент підписав Указ про остаточне припинення участі України у статутних органах СНД — Офіційне інтернет-представництво Президента України |language=uk |work=Офіційне інтернет-представництво Президента України |url=http://www.president.gov.ua/news/prezident-pidpisav-ukaz-pro-ostatochne-pripinennya-uchasti-u-47554 |access-date=19 May 2018}}</ref> As of February 2019, Ukraine minimized its participation in the Commonwealth of Independent States to a critical minimum and effectively completed its withdrawal. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine did not ratify the accession, i.e. Ukraine has never been a member of the CIS.<ref>{{cite news |title=Україні не потрібно виходити із СНД – вона ніколи не була і не є зараз членом цієї структури |url=https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/ukrayina-dosi-v-snd-chy-ni/30969197.html |newspaper=Радіо Свобода|date=26 November 2020 |last1=Лащенко |first1=Олександр }}</ref>

The [[Kerch Strait incident]] occurred on 25 November 2018 when the [[Russia]]n [[Federal Security Service]] (FSB) [[Coast Guard (Russia)|coast guard]] fired upon and captured three [[Ukrainian Navy]] vessels attempting to pass from the [[Black Sea]] into the [[Sea of Azov]] through the [[Kerch Strait]] on their way to the port of [[Mariupol]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 November 2018 |title=Tension escalates after Russia seizes Ukraine naval ships |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46338671 |access-date=14 June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |first1=Andrew |last1=Osborn |first2= Pavel |last2=Polityuk |date=26 November 2018 |title=Russia fires on and seizes Ukrainian ships near annexed Crimea |work=Reuters News |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-russia-idUSKCN1NU0DL/ |access-date=14 June 2021}}</ref>

[[File:Порошенко_з_патріархом_Філаретом.jpg|thumb|President [[Petro Poroshenko]] and [[Filaret (Denysenko)|Filaret]], 16 April 2018]]
On 6 January 2019, in [[Fener]], a delegation of the [[Orthodox Church of Ukraine]] with the participation of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko [[Autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine|received]] a [[Tomos (Eastern Orthodox Church)|Tomos]] on [[autocephaly]]. The Tomos was presented to the head of the OCU, [[Epiphanius I of Ukraine|Metropolitan Epiphanius]], during a joint liturgy with the [[Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople|Ecumenical Patriarch]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο |url=https://ec-patr.org/ |access-date=14 June 2021 |language=el}}</ref> The next day, Tomos was brought to Ukraine for a demonstration at [[Saint Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv|St. Sophia Cathedral]]. On 9 January, all members of the [[Synod]] of the [[Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople|Constantinople Orthodox Church]] signed the Tomos during the scheduled meeting of the Synod.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}

On 21 February 2019, the [[Constitution of Ukraine]] was amended, with the norms on the strategic course of Ukraine for membership in the [[European Union]] and [[NATO]] being enshrined in the preamble of the Basic Law, three articles and transitional provisions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The law amending the Constitution on the course of accession to the EU and NATO has entered into force |url=https://eu-ua.org/novyny/zakon-pro-zminy-do-konstytuciyi-shchodo-kursu-na-vstup-v-yes-i-nato-nabuv-chynnosti |access-date=23 March 2021 |website=EU UA {{!}} European integration portal |language=uk |archive-date=28 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928024828/https://eu-ua.org/novyny/zakon-pro-zminy-do-konstytuciyi-shchodo-kursu-na-vstup-v-yes-i-nato-nabuv-chynnosti |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 21 April 2019, [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] was elected president in the second round of the presidential election. Early [[2019 Ukrainian parliamentary election|parliamentary elections]] on 21 July allowed the newly formed pro-presidential [[Servant of the People (political party)|Servant of the People party]] to win an absolute majority of seats for the first time in the history of independent Ukraine (248). [[Dmytro Razumkov]], the party's chairman, was elected speaker of parliament. The majority was able to form a government on 29 August on its own, without forming coalitions, and approved [[Oleksiy Honcharuk|Oleksii Honcharuk]] as prime minister.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kitsoft |title=Кабінет Міністрів України&nbsp;— Новим Прем'єр-міністром України став Олексій Гончарук |url=https://www.kmu.gov.ua/news/novim-premyer-ministrom-ukrayini-stav-oleksij-goncharuk |access-date=6 July 2020 |website=www.kmu.gov.ua |language=uk}}</ref> On 4 March 2020, due to a 1.5% drop in GDP (instead of a 4.5% increase at the time of the election), the Verkhovna Rada fired [[Honcharuk Government|Honcharuk's government]] and [[Denys Shmyhal]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 March 2020 |title=Гончарука звільнили з посади прем'єра й відставили весь уряд |language=uk |work=BBC News Україна |url=https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/news-51734007 |access-date=6 July 2020}}</ref> became the new Prime Minister.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Денис Шмигаль – новий прем'єр України |url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2020/03/4/7242529/ |access-date=6 July 2020 |website=Українська правда |language=uk}}</ref>

On 28 July 2020, in [[Lublin]], [[Lithuania]], [[Poland]] and Ukraine created the [[Lublin Triangle]] initiative, which aims to create further cooperation between the three historical countries of the [[Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth]] and further Ukraine's integration and accession to the [[European Union|EU]] and [[NATO]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine Inaugurate 'Lublin Triangle' |url=https://jamestown.org/program/lithuania-poland-and-ukraine-inaugurate-lublin-triangle/ |website=Jamestown}}</ref>

On 2 February 2021, a presidential decree banned the television broadcasting of the pro-Russian TV channels [[112 Ukraine]], NewsOne and ZIK.<ref>{{Cite web |title=УКАЗ ПРЕЗИДЕНТА УКРАЇНИ №43/2021 |url=https://www.president.gov.ua/documents/432021-36441 |access-date=6 February 2021 |website=Офіційне інтернет-представництво Президента України |language=uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Зеленський‌ ‌"вимкнув"‌ ‌112,‌ ‌ZIK‌ ‌і‌ ‌NewsOne‌ ‌з‌ ефіру. Що відомо‌ |language=uk |work=BBC News Україна |url=https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/news-55907449 |access-date=6 February 2021}}</ref> The decision of the National Security and Defense Council and the Presidential Decree of 19 February 2021 imposed sanctions on 8 individuals and 19 legal entities, including Putin's pro-Russian politician and [[Vladimir Putin|Putin's]] godfather [[Viktor Medvedchuk]] and his wife Oksana Marchenko.<ref>{{Cite web |title=УКАЗ ПРЕЗИДЕНТА УКРАЇНИ №64/2021 |url=https://www.president.gov.ua/documents/642021-36753 |access-date=20 February 2021 |website=Офіційне інтернет-представництво Президента України |language=uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Зеленський ввів у дію санкції проти Медведчука |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2021/02/20/7284161/ |access-date=20 February 2021 |website=Українська правда |language=uk}}</ref>

On 17 May 2021, the [[Association Trio]] was formed by signing a joint memorandum between the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia|Foreign Ministers of Georgia]], [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova|Moldova]] and [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ukraine)|Ukraine]]. Association Trio is tripartite format for the enhanced cooperation, coordination, and dialogue between the three countries (that have signed the Association Agreement with the EU) with the [[European Union]] on issues of common interest related to [[European integration]], enhancing cooperation within the framework of the [[Eastern Partnership]], and committing to the prospect of joining the European Union.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Україна, Грузія та Молдова створили новий формат співпраці для спільного руху в ЄС |url=https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/news/2021/05/17/7123240/ |website=www.eurointegration.com.ua}}</ref>

At the June [[2021 Brussels summit|2021 Brussels Summit]], NATO leaders reiterated the decision taken at the [[2008 Bucharest summit|2008 Bucharest Summit]] that Ukraine would become a member of the Alliance with the Membership Action Plan (MAP) as an integral part of the process and Ukraine's right to determine its own future and foreign policy without outside interference.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Brussels Summit Communiqué issued by the Heads of State and Government participating in the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in Brussels 14 June 2021 |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_185000.htm |website=NATO}}</ref>

[[File:Робоча поїздка Президента України на Миколаївщину та Одещину 50.jpg|thumb|left|President [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] with members of the Ukrainian army on 18 June 2022]]
[[Prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine|Throughout 2021]], Russian forces built up along the [[Russia–Ukraine border|Russia-Ukraine Border]], in occupied Crimea, Donbas, and Belarus.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Buildup of Russian forces along Ukraine's border that has some talking of war |language=en |work=NPR.org |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/12/01/1060608432/buildup-of-russian-forces-along-ukraines-border-that-has-some-talking-of-war |access-date=4 October 2022}}</ref> On 24 February 2022, Russian forces [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|invaded]] Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ellyatt |first=Holly |title=Russian forces invade Ukraine |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/02/24/russian-forces-invade-ukraine.html |access-date=4 October 2022 |website=CNBC |date=24 February 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Russia quickly occupied much of the [[Eastern Ukraine offensive|east]] and [[Southern Ukraine offensive|south]] of the country, but failed to advance past the city of [[Mykolaiv]] towards [[Odesa]], and were forced to retreat from the [[Northern Ukraine offensive|north]] after failing to occupy [[Kyiv offensive (2022)|Kyiv]], [[Chernihiv]], [[Sumy]], and [[Kharkiv]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bigg |first=Matthew Mpoke |date=13 September 2022 |title=Russia invaded Ukraine more than 200 days ago. Here is one key development from every month of the war. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-timeline.html |access-date=4 October 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> After failing to gain further territories and being driven out of [[Kharkiv Oblast]] by a fast-paced [[2022 Ukrainian Kharkiv counteroffensive|Ukrainian counteroffensive]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ortiz |first=John Bacon and Jorge L. |title=Russians admit defeat in Kharkiv; Zelenskyy visits Izium after troops flee shattered city: Ukraine updates |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2022/09/14/ukraine-russia-war-live-updates/10375099002/ |access-date=4 October 2022 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> Russia declared the [[Russian annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts|annexation]] of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, along with Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts on 30 September.

The invasion was met with [[Reactions to the Russian invasion of Ukraine|international condemnation]]. The [[United Nations General Assembly]] passed [[United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-11/1|a resolution]] condemning the invasion and demanding a full Russian withdrawal in March 2022. The [[International Court of Justice]] ordered Russia to suspend military operations and the [[Council of Europe]] expelled Russia. Many countries [[International sanctions during the Russian invasion of Ukraine|imposed sanctions]] on Russia and its ally Belarus, and provided [[List of humanitarian aid to Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War|humanitarian]] and [[List of military aid to Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War|military aid to Ukraine]]. The [[Baltic states]] all declared Russia a [[State terrorism|terrorist state]]. [[Protests against the Russian invasion of Ukraine|Protests occurred]] around the world, along with mass arrests of [[Anti-war protests in Russia (2022–present)|anti-war protesters in Russia]], which also enacted a law enabling greater [[Censorship in Russia|media censorship]]. Over 1,000 [[Corporate responses to the Russian invasion of Ukraine|companies closed their operations]] in Russia and Belarus as a result of the invasion.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Maynes |first=Charles |date=30 September 2022 |title=Putin illegally annexes territories in Ukraine, in spite of global opposition |language=en |work=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/09/30/1126020895/russia-ukraine-putin-annexation |access-date=4 October 2022}}</ref>

On the eve of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the country was [[List of sovereign states in Europe by GDP (PPP) per capita|the poorest in Europe]],<ref>{{cite web |title=GDP per capita (Current US$) &#124; Data |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD?most_recent_value_desc=true}}</ref> a handicap whose cause was attributed to high [[Corruption in Ukraine|corruption]] levels<ref>{{cite web |last=Bullough |first=Oliver |date=6 February 2015 |title=Welcome to Ukraine, the most corrupt nation in Europe |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2015/feb/04/welcome-to-the-most-corrupt-nation-in-europe-ukraine |access-date=3 March 2021 |work=[[The Guardian]] |quote="Since 1991, officials, members of parliament and businessmen have created complex and highly lucrative schemes to plunder the state budget. The theft has crippled Ukraine. The economy was as large as Poland's at independence, now it is a third of the size. Ordinary Ukrainians have seen their living standards stagnate, while a handful of oligarchs have become billionaires."}}</ref> and the slow pace of [[economic liberalization]] and [[Reform|institutional reform]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ukraine: Can meaningful reform come out of conflict? |url=https://www.bruegel.org/policy-brief/ukraine-can-meaningful-reform-come-out-conflict |access-date=17 March 2023 |website=Bruegel {{!}} The Brussels-based economic think tank |date=25 July 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pikulicka-Wilczewska |first=Agnieszka |date=19 July 2017 |title=Why the reforms in Ukraine are so slow? |url=https://neweasterneurope.eu/2017/07/19/why-the-reforms-in-ukraine-are-so-slow/ |access-date=17 March 2023 |website=New Eastern Europe - A bimonthly news magazine dedicated to Central and Eastern European affairs |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The slow-reform trap |url=https://www.bruegel.org/blog-post/slow-reform-trap |access-date=17 March 2023 |website=Bruegel {{!}} The Brussels-based economic think tank |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 November 2000 |title=Ukraine Country Assistance Evaluation |url=https://www.oecd.org/countries/ukraine/35290615.pdf |website=OECD}}</ref> Russia's invasion of the country damaged Ukraine's economy and future prospects of improvement to such an extent, that the GDP of the country was projected to shrink by as much as 35% in its first year alone after the invasion.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1= Mackinnon|first1=Amy |last2=Gramer |first2=Robbie |title=The Battle to Save Ukraine's Economy From the War |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/10/05/russia-ukraine-war-reconstruction-european-bank-odile-renaud-basso/ |magazine=Foreign Policy |date=5 October 2022|access-date=2 October 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref>

Ukraine was originally preparing to formally apply for [[Accession of Ukraine to the European Union|EU membership]] in 2024, but instead signed an application for membership in February 2022.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=У 2024 році Україна подасть заявку на вступ до ЄС |url=https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-polytics/2629440-u-2024-roci-ukraina-podast-zaavku-na-vstup-do-es.html |website=www.ukrinform.ua|date=29 January 2019 }}</ref>