Ukraine
civil unrest in ukraine
On December 1, 2013, an estimated 350,000 civilians filled the streets of Ukraine to protest the decision by then Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to reject an agreement with the EU that would have laid the foundation for closer economic and political integration. Yanukovych had opted instead to accept Russia's offer of a $15 billion economic bailout. The objective of the protests, which had begun the last week of November, was to call for Yanukovych's resignation and hold new elections. It was widely believed that Yanukovych had bowed to Russian pressure in his eventual refusal to sign the agreement. Although the protests were supposed to have been peaceful, violence erupted as tensions ran high amidst government attempts to crackdown and clear the Maidan, Kiev's Independence Square, of the protests. (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-pro-eu-protests-police-forced-to-flee-as-demonstrators-take-over-central-kiev-8975954.html)
Violent protests spread throughout the country and continued to deteriorate into January 2014. On January 16, 2014, Yanukovych's government tried to eliminate the last protections for freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, as well as expand executive powers to effectively create a dictatorship, via the passage of laws sans proper legislative protocol. These attempts only angered the protesters even more, and violent protests intensified, only to be met with violent repression by the government. Yanukovych attempted to rescind some of the dictatorial laws and offer power-share arrangements with the opposition, which they rejected. (https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2014/03/20/fascism-russia-and-ukraine/?pagination=false) The opposition demanded reconsideration of the political and free-trade agreements with the EU, the release of political prisoners such as former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, and finally, Yanukovych's resignation. (https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/26/world/europe/ukrainian-president-offers-top-posts-to-opposition-leaders.html?hpw&rref=world) On February 18, 2014, Yanokovych cancelled a previously scheduled debate on constitutional reform and imposed a violent crackdown on protesters in Kiev. The killing of protesters, which peaked on February 20 with 42 dead in Independence Square, shifted any possibility of reconciliation with Yanukovych and led to his ouster. (https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-ukraines-parliament-brought-down-yanukovych) On the same day Yanukovych announced that a ceasefire had been reached. The provisions included the intention to hold presidential elections in December of that year, a repeal of sweeping presidential powers passed by Yanukovych's government and return to the prior Constitution of 2004, and to create a "government of national trust." However, the agreement quickly unraveled hours later as neither the protesters nor Russia voiced support for it, although it was provisionally backed by the international community. The protesters refused to accept anything less than Yanukovych's immediate resignation, and Russia had no intention of supporting a government that involved a power-share with pro-European contingents. (https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/22/world/europe/ukraine.html) Yanukovych subsequently fled from his palace, which had been deserted by his guards and overrun by protesters. Members of Parliament, including those from his own party Party of Regions, called on Yanukovych to resign. (https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-ukraines-parliament-brought-down-yanukovych) A tentative initial agreement for Yanukovych's resignation gave way when he announced his refusal and denounced the coup in a television statement, during which he was reportedly in hiding near the eastern Ukrainian border with Russia in Kharkiv. (https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/23/world/europe/ukraine.html) Hours later, on February 22, 2014, the Fatherhood party of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko proceeded to take control of the Ukrainian Parliament, electing her close ally Oleksandr Turchynov as Speaker. (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/02/24/white-house-offers-us-support-to-ukraine-on-top-possible-imf-package.html) The parliament then proceeded to release Tymoshenko from imprisonment, declare Yanukovych unable to carry out his duties due to his flight, and set forth a date for new elections on May 25, 2014. Turchynov was appointed the interim president on February 23, 2014. (https://www.haaretz.com/u-k-to-russia-do-not-intervene-in-ukraine-1.5325377)
As his government collapsed, separatist factions began to catalyze the country's breakdown into pro-Russian and pro-European constituencies, further fueling civil unrest. Provincial governors met in Kharkiv and passed a resolution rejecting the Parliament's decisions. (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/22/lvov-ukraine-protests/5724589/) Clashes were reported in Mariupol, Donetsk, and Kharkiv. An estimated 10,000 protested against the pro-West changes in government in the pro-Moscow area of Crimea, in the port of Sevastopol, where Russia kept its Black Sea fleet. (https://www.straitstimes.com/world/ukraine-interim-leader-warns-of-dangerous-signs-of-separatism#sthash.m8KhaW3u.dpuf)
crimea and the role of russia
Armed men, reportedly Russian separatists, subsequently took over regional government and parliament buildings in Crimea and raised the Russian flag. Then interim president Turchynov sent a message via the Russian ambassador in Kiev calling for consultations with Moscow. In a speech to the Ukrainian parliament, he stated that any movements outside of the Black Sea fleet base by Russian military would be considered an "act of aggression." Russian fighter jets were put on high alert along its western border amidst the escalating tensions. (https://www.haaretz.com/ukraine-russia-tensions-mounting-1.5326985)
On February 27, 2014, Arseniy Yatsenyuk was appointed interim prime minister until the time of the May elections. Yatsenyuk was a prominent pro-EU leader of the opposition protests that brought down Yanukovych's government. (https://www.straitstimes.com/world/ukraine-parliament-approves-pro-eu-yatsenyuk-as-premier#sthash.OfufsNr9.dpuf) Yanukovych from his hiding place, reportedly in Russia, continued to maintain that he was the president and deemed the actions of the Ukrainian parliament illegitimate. (https://twitter.com/AP/status/438975461922582530, https://twitter.com/AFP/status/438978677565849600 )
On February 28, 2014, local Russian Unity Party leader Sergei Aksyonov, who had gained control over troops as well as police in the Crimea region, appealed to Russia for help to secure the country, upon which the Russian military reportedly entered the Crimean province of Ukraine. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26397323#TWEET1059162) Two airports in Crimea were seized by private security contractors on behalf of the Russian military. Ten Russian military helicopters were sighted, as well as Russian cargo planes. (https://www.thedailybeast.com/us-spies-said-no-russian-invasion-of-ukraineputin-disagreed) On March 1, the Crimean parliament voted to elect Aksyonov as the regional prime minister of Crimea. Additionally, it announced a referendum to be held on the question of Crimea's autonomy from Ukraine on May 25, the date of which was moved forward by Aksyonov to March 30. (https://www.straitstimes.com/world/crimea-brings-forward-referendum-on-regions-status-to-march-30#sthash.HAqAIVqv.dpuf) Yatsenyuk proceeded to issue a decree, declaring Aksyonov's election illegitimate. Putin wasted no time in securing the approval of the upper house of the Russian parliament to authorize the use of force in Ukraine for the protection of Russian troops and citizens. (https://twitter.com/AFP/status/439758921117761536) Russian troops subsequently seized Ukrainian military bases in Sevastapol, demanding the disarmament and surrender of the Ukrainian soldiers, albeit no shots were fired. Sevastapol is the capital of Crimea where the Russian Black Sea Fleet is stationed. (https://twitter.com/ggatehouse/status/439757181333028864) By March 2, the Russian military had seized complete control of Crimea, blocking access to the province by air, road, and train. (https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine-politics/under-russian-flag-kalashnikov-armed-checkpoints-come-to-ukraine-338082.html) On March 4, Aksyonov was recognized by the Russian government as the prime minister of Crimea. (http://time.com/19097/putin-crimea-russia-ukraine-aksyonov/) On March 6, Crimea's parliament voted to join Russia and set a referendum on March 16 for the public to vote on the question of joining Russia or remain an autonomous region of Ukraine in accordance with. The US and EU leaders criticized the referendum as illegal and a violation of Ukraine's constitution, while Russia argued Crimea had the right to self-determination. (https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/crimeas-parliament-votes-join-russia) A US-led resolution condemning the referendum at the UN Security Council was vetoed by Russia, with China abstaining. (https://www.scmp.com/comment/article/1452507/nothing-awkward-about-chinas-position-regard-ukraine) By March 7, 2014, Ukraine border guards reported 30,000 Russian troops were stationed in Crimea. (https://twitter.com/STForeignDesk/status/441910789687889920/photo/1)
Interim president Turchynov annulled the pending referendum, however the Crimean Parliament also did not recognize the national government and proceeded to conduct the referendum as planned. The ballot contained two choices: one was for Crimea to join the Russian Federation, the other was to restore Crimea's status as stipulated by the 1992 Crimea Constitution, which declared Crimea to be an independent state. (https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine-politics/two-choices-in-crimean-referendum-yes-and-yes-338745.html) 96.77% voted to join Russia, although there were lingering discrepancies and questions regarding the integrity of the voting process and procedure. For example, while there were only 1.5 million voters in Crimea at the time according to the Central Election Commission, 2.5 million ballots were printed. The UN reported instances of multiple votes being cast by individuals at different polling locations, the participation of non-Ukrainian citizens, as well as suppression of dissenting votes. (https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ukraine-leaked-un-report-declares-russia-rigged-crimea-referendum-1444651) Soon after the referendum, the Russia introduced the ruble and began to pay state salaries and pensions. On March 21, 2014, Russia formally annexed Crimea into the Russian Federation. On March 30, 2014, Crimea was switched to Moscow time. (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-crimea-time/crimea-switches-to-moscow-time-amid-incorporation-frenzy-idUSBREA2S0LT20140329) By this point, Russia had amassed 40,000 troops at the eastern border with Ukraine. ( https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/russia-will-not-invade-eastern-ukraine-foreign-minister-says-1.2589810)
Crimea has a population of approximately two million, dominated by ethnic Russians, then Ukrainians and Turkic-Muslim Crimean Tatars. In eastern Ukraine, which is also predominantly pro-Russian, protesters had taken over a government building and raised a Russian flag in Kharkiv. In Donetsk, protesters also attempted to take over government buildings and demanded a referendum on secession from Ukraine. Yatsenyuk announced a mobilization of Ukrainian reserve troops in preparation for war. (https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/02/world/europe/ukraine.html?_r=0)
eastern ukraine
By March 13, 2014, Russia was conducting military exercises with 45,000 troops on the eastern border of Ukraine: in the Belgorod, Kursk, and Rostov regions of Russia, which are adjacent to Kharkiv, Luhansk, and Donetsk in Ukraine, respectively . (http://apps.washingtonpost.com/g/page/world/russias-buildup-on-the-ukraine-border/996/?Post%20generic=%3Ftid%3Dsm_twitter_washingtonpost) (https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/14/world/europe/ukraine.html?hp) In April 2014, pro-Russian militants which the West believed to have included Russian military and intelligence were taking over government buildings in various cities in eastern Ukraine, an allegation denied by the Kremlin. (https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/21/world/europe/photos-link-masked-men-in-east-ukraine-to-russia.html?hp)
Ukraine's Ambassador to the United Nations Yuriy Sergeyev stated Ukraine was preparing to defend itself against Russia and sought international help including military as well as other types of support. (http://thehill.com/policy/international/199646-ukrainian-ambassador-we-are-preparing-to-defend-ourselves) The interim prime minister Yatsenyuk indicated a willingness to negotiate with Moscow on the condition that Russia withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Moscow, on its part, did not recognize the new government in Ukraine, arguing that the coup removing Yanukovych was unconstitutional. (https://edition.cnn.com/2014/04/01/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/) Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials cited corruption and pro-Russian sympathizers in law enforcement as factors contributing to ineffectiveness in countering Russian special forces and separatist militants. (https://www.businessinsider.com/dead-ukraine-politician-faced-hostile-pro-russia-mob-before-being-tortured-2014-4)
On March 21, 2014, Ukraine signed the EU Association Agreement for closer economic as well as political relations. On the same day, Putin signed laws recognizing Crimea’s accession to the Russian Federation. (https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2014/03/21/292338092/split-decisions-ukraine-signs-up-with-eu-russia-wraps-up-crimea)
On April 1, 2014, Russian energy company Gazprom announced a termination of a gas discount that had been offered during Yanokovych’s presidency, raising energy prices to Ukraine from $268.50 to $385.50 per 1000 cubic meters. With $1.7 billion outstanding for gas already supplied, the price hike further increased economic pressure on the new government. (https://edition.cnn.com/2014/04/01/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/)
On May 25, 2014, pro-European businessman Petro Poroshenko was elected the President of Ukraine. Poroshenko committed to dialogue with Russia to improve relations while re-visiting the idea of an economic and political agreement with Europe. He also sought renegotiation of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, while declining to support NATO membership for Ukraine. (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/25/petro-poroshenko-ukraine-president-wins-election)
On July 5, 2014, Ukrainian forces liberated the city of Slavyansk from the militants. Subsequently they also liberated Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk and Artemivsk. (https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/ukraine-politics/army-prepares-to-liberate-donetsk-and-luhansk-as-mlitary-offensive-gathers-pace-354990.html)
the international response
The US called upon Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine, seeking economic, political, and diplomatic measures to manage the conflict in lieu of military action. Amidst the escalating tensions, Russia recalled its Ambassador from Washington. The UK and Canada also withdrew its Ambassador from Moscow. At the time, Washington did not have a sitting Ambassador in Moscow. (https://twitter.com/ErikBrattberg/status/439793688517292033)
The G-7 subsequently suspended their participation in the preparatory meetings for the G-8 Summit scheduled to be held in Sochi, Russia, effectively suspending Russia from the G-8. (https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2014/03/02/g-7-leaders-statement) They called upon Russia to cancel the referendum and stated that they would not recognize its results. (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-eu-russia-sanctions/exclusive-eu-approves-framework-for-asset-freezes-travel-bans-on-russia-idUSBREA2B0QJ20140312 Additionally, the Paralympics in Sochi was boycotted by a number of Western dignitaries. (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis/ukraine-standoff-intensifies-russia-says-sanctions-will-boomerang-idUSBREA1Q1E820140307?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&dlvrit=992637)
The US canceled bilateral meetings on trade, energy, naval cooperation, as well as joint military exercises. (https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/03/world/europe/pressure-rising-as-obama-works-to-rein-in-russia.html?smid=tw-share) Additionally, the US imposed visa restrictions on Russians and Crimeans deemed to be a threat to Ukraine security, with a focus on oligarchs and economic targets. (https://twitter.com/AP/status/441553236336848896) (http://www.latimes.com/world/europe/la-fg-ukraine-europeans-20140430-story.html#) On March 6, 2014, then US President Obama issued an executive order imposing sanctions on "individuals and entities deemed to be violating Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity." (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2014/03/06/obama-issues-executive-order-on-ukraine-sanctions/)
The EU cancelled talks on visa-free travel as well as an agreement enhancing Russia-EU ties. (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis/ukraine-standoff-intensifies-russia-says-sanctions-will-boomerang-idUSBREA1Q1E820140307?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&dlvrit=992637) The EU also issued sanctions against Russia, including a travel ban as well as assets freeze on those who violated Ukraine's sovereignty and integrity, targeting military and political figures.. Members of the Russian parliament, security services, and military were included on the target list. Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov were not on the list. Switzerland, Japan, Canada, and Turkey cooperated in observing the sanctions. (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-eu-russia-sanctions/exclusive-eu-approves-framework-for-asset-freezes-travel-bans-on-russia-idUSBREA2B0QJ20140312)
On March 12, 2014, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) decided to suspend the process of Russia’s accession to the organization and urged for strengthening of OECD-Ukraine cooperation. (http://www.oecd.org/newsroom/statement-by-the-oecd-regarding-the-status-of-the-accession-process-with-russia-and-co-operation-with-ukraine.htm) Additionally, the US and EU offered to provide economic and political aid to Ukraine in conjunction with a loan agreement by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which offered $18 billion in loans over a period of 2 years under the condition of specified reforms. On April 1, 2014, the United States Congress approved a bill that included $1 billion in loan guarantees to Ukraine. (https://edition.cnn.com/2014/04/01/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/)
On March 27, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 68/262 in support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity in the wake of Russia’s annexation of Crimea with 100 member countries in support. (https://twitter.com/USUN/status/449214164683460609) Those against included the following: Russia, Cuba, DPRK, Nicaragua, Syria, Sudan, Venezuela, Zimbabe, Armenia, Belarus, and Bolivia. (https://twitter.com/APDiploWriter/status/449217694856798208) A previous resolution draft in the United Nations Security Council had been vetoed by Russia.
In response to Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Poland requested an emergency NATO meeting invoking article 4 of the NATO alliance treaty, which allows any member to call for a meeting should it believe its sovereignty and independence is threatened. (https://www.defencetalk.com/us-expands-military-support-to-poland-baltic-states-58952/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter) On March 5, 2014 NATO suspended plans for cooperation with Russia and put it under review, suspending the first NATO-Russia joint mission which was to have involved the escort of the US ship Cape Ray, to be used to neutralize chemical weapons in Syria. NATO meetings that had been planned with Russia at civilian and military staff levels had also been suspended. (https://twitter.com/AP/status/441282187238072320, https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/opinions_107743.htm ) By March 19, 2014, all NATO-Russia cooperation had been suspended, including on the Syria chemical weapons disarmament process. (https://twitter.com/strobetalbott/status/446357757697200130) On April 1, 2014, NATO and Ukraine also agreed to enhance cooperation, including via military exercises and training programs. Ukraine’s parliament had concurrently voted to permit foreign military to conduct exercises within its territory. (https://edition.cnn.com/2014/04/01/world/europe/ukraine-crisis/)
In response to the crisis, the US intensified its military presence in the region on a rotational albeit limited basis. It enhanced air patrols over the Baltics, sending 6 F-15s and a KC-135 aerial refueling tanker. (https://www.defencetalk.com/us-expands-military-support-to-poland-baltic-states-58952/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter) Additionally, the USS Truxtun, en route to the Middle East, conducted exercises in conjunction with the Bulgarian and Romanian navies in the Black Sea in early April 2014 (https://www.stripes.com/news/us-warship-heading-to-black-sea-1.275972), followed by the USS Donald Cook, which entered the Black Sea on April 10, 2014. (https://thediplomat.com/2014/04/russian-su-24-makes-pass-at-us-warship-in-the-black-sea/) The US also deployed 150 troops for ground exercises in NATO nations such as Estonia, Latvia, and Poland. Additionally, the US deployed 12 F-16s for training exercises in Poland. (https://www.stripes.com/news/us/poland-estonia-exercises-part-of-plan-to-increase-presence-in-eastern-europe-1.278897) Furthermore, a group of multinational minesweepers plus a supply vessel was deployed to the Baltic Sea to safeguard maritime security. The group was headed by a Norwegian flagship and also included vessels from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Estonia. (https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_109302.htm?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=web)
The G7 announced an expansion of the list of Russian individuals and companies sanctioned on April 28, 2014, upon Russia’s failure to implement provisions of a April 17, 2014 Geneva accord negotiated between Ukraine, Russia, the US and EU to end the takeover of government buildings in eastern Ukraine and to disarm the militants. (https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2014/04/25/g-7-leaders-statement-ukraine )
international observers in ukraine
On March 9, 2014, 50 observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) attempted to enter Crimea but were denied entry. (https://www.straitstimes.com/world/ukraine-calls-for-urgent-osce-observers-to-southeast#sthash.fmvduypA.dpuf) On March 21, 2014, OSCE announced that it would deploy a Special Monitoring Mission of 100 civilian monitors, with the possibility of expanding to 400, throughout Ukraine to assess and monitor the security situation for a period of six months. (https://www.osce.org/cio/116710) In April 2014, eight OSCE military observers were kidnapped by separatists in Slavyansk, located in eastern Ukraine. They were released in early May. (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/27/ukraine-kidnapped-observers-slavyansk-vyacheslav-ponomarev) In May 2014, another OSCE group of eight observing the national elections in Ukraine were kidnapped, with one group of four based in Donetsk released a month later. (https://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/120233) The United Nations also sent a human rights representative to assess the state of human rights on the ground. (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis/ukraine-standoff-intensifies-russia-says-sanctions-will-boomerang-idUSBREA1Q1E820140307?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&dlvrit=992637
china and ukraine
China remained relatively silent on the issue, in particular the question of a referendum but was consistent in opposing sanctions on Russia over Ukraine. (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis/ukraine-standoff-intensifies-russia-says-sanctions-will-boomerang-idUSBREA1Q1E820140307?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&dlvrit=992637) (https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-restates-opposition-to-sanctions-on-russia-over-ukraine#sthash.thWiMLbf.dpuf) While China gave Russia broad general support on the matter of Ukraine, recognizing the complexity and history of the issue, the Chinese Foreign Ministry also emphasized respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. (https://www.voanews.com/a/china-offers-support-for-ukraine-without-backing-military-intervention/1863631.html)
China has interests in Ukraine, having developed bilateral military and trade partnerships. Ukraine, the fourth largest arms exporter in the world as of 2012, is a major arms exporter to China. Ukraine retains military assets and technology from the Soviet era sought by China. In the 1990s, China's $20 million purchase from Ukraine of a half-completed Russian aircraft carrier, the Varyag, became the Liaoning, China's first. Ukraine has also supplied China with hundreds of Russian aircraft engines, which China used in its JL-trainers, J-10, and J-11 fighter jets. Ukraine has also helped develop China's Y series of military transport and surveillance planes, as well as the world's largest amphibious hovercraft. (https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/dec/12/inside-china-ukraine-gets-nuke-umbrella/#ixzz2vHsUhYUr) Ukraine and China also have a bilateral agreement allotting 5% of Ukrainian land for growing agricultural crops and raising pigs to be sold to China's state-owned enterprises (SOEs). In exchange, China was to build highways and bridges in Ukraine. China had provided $10 billion in aid to Ukraine and had pledged $8 billion more in December 2013 to Yanukovych during a visit to Beijing. (https://www.voanews.com/a/china-offers-support-for-ukraine-without-backing-military-intervention/1863631.html) Also in December, Yanukovych signed a bilateral agreement to be "strategic partners" with China. China agreed to not to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine and to provide security in the face of nuclear threat or invasion. The two countries pledged to refrain from violating their respective "sovereign rights, security, and territorial integrity." (https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/dec/12/inside-china-ukraine-gets-nuke-umbrella/#ixzz2vHsUhYUr)
MH17
On July 17, 2014, a civilian aircraft, Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, was shot down in the Donetsk region by Russian separatists. According to a phone conversation between the separatists intercepted and released by Ukrainian authorities, the separatists had believed the plane was an AN-26 transport plane, only to discover upon the crash that it was a civilian passenter plane. (https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/separatists-admit-downing-a-civilian-plane-in-tapped-conversation-full-transcript-356545.html) The Ukrainian government also stated that it was able to prove that the surface-to-air missile SA-11 that felled the plane were supplied by Russia. It also accused Russia and pro-Russian militants of blocking access to the site as well as removing evidence, including driving surface-to-air systems back to Russia across the border. The Kremlin, on the other hand, denied involvement and blamed Ukrainian anti-aircraft weapons for the tragedy. Both sides called for an international investigation of the matter. (https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/20/world/europe/malaysia-airlines-plane-ukraine.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=BannerSubHedSum&module=a-lede-package-region®ion=lede-package&WT.nav=lede-package)
ceasefire agreements: Minsk-I and minsk-II
On September 5, 2014, the Minsk Protocol, later to be known as Minsk-I, was signed to establish the terms of ceasefire in eastern Ukraine. Parties to the agreement were Ukraine, Russia, and the OSCE. (https://www.kyivpost.com/article/content/war-against-ukraine/protocol-on-ceasefire-in-donbas-starting-from-sept-5-signed-at-contact-group-meeting-in-minsk-source-363524.html) The Minsk Protocol stipulated the following:
"1. Ensure the immediate bilateral cessation of the use of weapons. 2. Ensure monitoring and verification by OSCE of the regime of non-use of weapons. 3. Implement decentralization of power, including by enacting the Law of Ukraine on the interim status of local self-government in certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions (Law on Special Status). 4. Ensure permanent monitoring on the Ukrainian-Russian State border and verification by OSCE, along with the establishment of a security area in the border regions of Ukraine and the Russian Federation. 5. Immediately release all hostages and unlawfully detained persons. 6. Enact a law prohibiting the prosecution and punishment of persons in connection with the events that took place in certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. 7. Continue an inclusive national dialogue. 8. Adopt measures aimed at improving the humanitarian situation in Donbass. 9. Ensure the holding of early local elections in accordance with the Law of Ukraine on the interim status of local self-government in certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions (Law on Special Status). 10. Remove unlawful military formations and military hardware, as well as militants and mercenaries, from the territory of Ukraine. 11. Adopt a programme for the economic revival of Donbass and the resumption of vital activity in the region. 12. Provide personal security guarantees for the participants of the consultations." (https://peacemaker.un.org/sites/peacemaker.un.org/files/UA_140905_MinskCeasfire_en.pdf)
Nevertheless, conflict between the Russian separatists bolstered by the Russian military and the Ukrainian military continued to intensify as they clashed over control of territory, and it was only a matter of days before the ceasefire collapsed. In the meantime, Russian tanks, missile systems, and armored vehicles continued to cross the border into Ukraine, as Russia continued to deny its presence within Ukrainian territory. (http://uk.businessinsider.com/ukraine-50-russian-tanks-and-40-missile-systems-rolled-into-the-country-while-putin-talked-peace-2015-2?r=US)
On February 14, 2015, a new ceasefire was agreed upon, known as the Minsk-II agreement, entitled "Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk agreements." Specifically, it outlined implementation details for the measures agreed upon in the first Minsk agreement. (https://peacemaker.un.org/sites/peacemaker.un.org/files/UA_150212_MinskAgreement_en.pdf) Again, however, the ceasefire did not last, if it ever even began.
On September 30, 2015, Putin suddenly withdrew his troops from the eastern border of Ukraine and began bombing in Syria in defense of the Assad regime. (https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/10/putin-syria-ukraine-russia/408562/?utm_source=SFTwitter)
Relevant History
The US, the UK, the Russian Federation, and Ukraine are party to the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which establishes security assurances agreed upon by the said parties for Ukraine's accession to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and elimination of nuclear weapons from its territory within a specified time period. The assurances established were the following:
Said parties would respect the "independence, sovereignty, and existing borders of Ukraine"
"Refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine, and that none of their weapons will ever be used against Ukraine except in self-defence or otherwise in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations"
"Refrain from economic coercion designed to subordinate to their own interest" Ukraine's sovereign rights
Action would be taken by the United Nations Security Council to provide assistance to Ukraine in the event of an "act of aggression or an object of a threat of aggression in which nuclear weapons are used" (https://www.scribd.com/document/210003244/Budapest-Memorandum)
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