This paper will summarize the extensive conflict regarding Russia and Ukraine while pointing to a variety of processes and factors drawn into the U.S.'s involvement. The division in Ukraine began as a division in allegiance to the European Union or to Russia. The conflict was sparked on November 21st of last year, when then Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich renounced a trade agreement with the European Union, to seek closer ties with Moscow. The agreement, "Eastern Partnership " was believed by many to have the potential to create closer political ties as well as generate economic growth in Ukraine. It would have opened the doors for trade with Europe and set a precedent for inclusion and development. Protests supporting a united Ukraine and non-separation from the EU led to instances of severe police brutality and human rights violations. In a wholesome attack against civil rights, anti-protest laws were instituted in Ukraine, leading to thousands of arrests and legally justified severity against activists. The police crackdown on Ukrainian protesters was one of the biggest factors in escalating the conflict. News media in Ukraine and across Europe which covered the brutality spread like wildfire across the internet and other outlets. Images of bloodied and even dead activists had gone viral, leading to a massive uproar among anti-Yanukovych protesters. On December 1st last year, over 300,000 protesters seized City Hall in Keiv. .
Months later, on February 20th, over 80 people were killed in the streets. Some by government snipers, as protesters took control of the capital and force Yanukovych out of office and out of the country. As parliament in Crimea voted unanimously to become a part of Russia, Vladimir Putin was granted permission to use military force to try to move in and uphold political control of the country. Officially the actions taken by Yanukovich were legal, which demonstrated to the U.
