10 years later, a war-weary Ukraine reflects on events that began its collision course with Russia

A decade has passed since the events that set Ukraine on a collision course with Russia, and the chill of November in Kyiv never fails to evoke memories of that fateful time. Dmytro Riznychenko, a 41-year-old psychologist who participated in the uprising that eventually led to Ukraine’s current war with Russia, walks through central Kyiv’s Independence Square with a heavy heart. He reflects on the dramatic upheaval that unfolded, saying, “Ten years of war and struggle, and it seems like the blood has only just begun to flow, truly. I regret nothing. But, God, it’s just so tiresome.”

The catalyst for these momentous changes was the announcement on November 21, 2013, by Ukraine’s then-president Viktor Yanukovych that he was scrapping an agreement with the European Union in favor of deepening ties with Russia. Outraged citizens flooded Independence Square, initiating peaceful anti-government protests that would escalate in response to police brutality. Demonstrators erected tent camps, barricades, and revolutionary banners. The situation reached its climax in February 2014 when police launched a brutal crackdown, resulting in numerous casualties. A European-brokered peace deal led to the formation of a transition government, but protesters seized government buildings, prompting Yanukovych’s flight to Russia.

The Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance reports that 107 people lost their lives during the uprising. Kateryna Gladka, a 23-year-old student at the time, viewed these events as the “revolution of her generation,” driven by the values of freedom and dignity. However, the aftermath saw Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in March 2014 and the rise of separatist forces backed by Moscow in the eastern Ukraine region known as the Donbas, leading to a protracted conflict with thousands of casualties. Finally, in February 2022, Putin launched a war that continues to this day, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and Europe’s most significant conflict since World War II.

These events marked a turning point for Russia, as Yanukovych’s departure signaled a loss of control over Ukraine. Kateryna Zarembo, an analyst at The New Europe Center in Kyiv, explains that Russia’s fear of losing Ukraine had been brewing for some time, and military intervention became the last resort.

Despite the tremendous costs, Ukraine emerged more united than ever before and drew closer to the EU, the United States, and the West. Under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the country gained widespread support during the ongoing Russian invasion.

Today, as Ukrainians commemorate the Revolution of Dignity, the memories of those who lost their lives are honored on the Alley of Heavenly Hundred. Investigations into the events continue, with members of the disbanded Berkut police unit indicted for their role in the violence. Small blue-and-yellow flags in Independence Square serve as a poignant reminder of fallen soldiers in the ongoing conflict.

While the anniversary brings mixed emotions for many, the desire for a normal and peaceful life is strong, and the hope remains that Ukraine’s struggle will eventually yield lasting stability and prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ukraine’s Decade

More about Ukraine’s Decade

• Ukraine’s Decade: From Uprising to War with Russia
• Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity
• Timeline of the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution
• Crimea Annexation by Russia
• Conflict in Eastern Ukraine
• Russia-Ukraine War