The situation in the Ukraine

1. What are the three core factors that led to the chaos, according to the article?
The first thing, is a broken promise between people and their leader. President Viktor F. Yanukovych
promised to involve Ukraine with the European Union by signing sweeping political and trade
agreements. However, in November he refused to sign. The second thing is a lingering Cold-war like
fight between Russia and the rest of Europe over who will influence the countries in Eastern Europe. The
third thing is the public's outrage over the governments sometimes brutal reactions to the public
protests.
2. Why does Russia feel threatened by Ukraine forming a closer partnership with Europe? Its Black Sea
naval fleet is based in Ukraine, also Ukraine has crucial pipelines that carry Russia natural gas to
customers in Europe.
3. Why did many Ukrainians, especially in the Western part of the country, want Ukraine to sign
political and economic agreements with the European Union? Many people in West Ukraine saw siding
with the EU as a way for their lives to improve, with the much-needed reforms especially to the
economic and justice system.
4. Why did street protests erupt in November 2013? Streets erupted in November 2013 when it
became clear that Mr. Yanukovych would not move forward.
5. What were some of the government missteps that helped further fuel the protests? The beating of
young protesters by police as well as the new laws that seriously restricted free speech and assembly.
6. What additional questions do you have about whats going on in Ukraine? Are we involved in the
Ukraine?