Editing History of Ukraine (section)

==== 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>