Anorak

Anorak News | The Story Of the Ukrainian Revolution In Photos

The Story Of the Ukrainian Revolution In Photos

by | 24th, February 2014

THE Ukrainian Revolution was televised. To date, 85 lost their lives on the battlefield of Maidan Nezalezhnosti. Many were shot by police loyal to President Viktor Yanukovych. The President has fled. Olexander Turchynov, an ally of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, was declared interim president. 

 

Communist Party members, supporters of Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych hold caricature depicting President Yuschenko with the hair-do of Opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko during a rally in Kiev, Ukraine, Thursday, April 12, 2007. Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko said Thursday that his order to dissolve parliament and hold new elections will stand, continuing a war of wills with the defiant premier who appeared to signal his readiness for a compromise.

Communist Party members, supporters of Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych hold caricature depicting President Yuschenko with the hair-do of Opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko during a rally in Kiev, Ukraine, Thursday, April 12, 2007. Ukraine’s President Viktor Yushchenko said Thursday that his order to dissolve parliament and hold new elections will stand, continuing a war of wills with the defiant premier who appeared to signal his readiness for a compromise.

 

So. What happened? The trouble became a violent struggle when on 21 November 2013, Yanukovych’s cabinet announced that it would not honour an agreement for closer trade ties with the European Union. It would get closer to Russia.

In 2004, The Ukraine became independent of Russia.

 

Supporters of the Rukh Popular Movement for Ukraine?s independence, awaiting the arrival of U.S. President George Bush, demonstrate outside the Supreme Soviet Building in Kiev on Thursday, August 1, 1991. The U.S. President will address the Ukrainian session during his visit.

Supporters of the Rukh Popular Movement for Ukraine?s independence, awaiting the arrival of U.S. President George Bush, demonstrate outside the Supreme Soviet Building in Kiev on Thursday, August 1, 1991. The U.S. President will address the Ukrainian session during his visit.

 

 

 

Young activists for Russia's United Russia party march in support of Ukraine's pro-Moscow Regions Party on Independence square in Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, March, 22, 2006. Forty five parties are standing in Sunday's critical parliamentary elections. Under constitutional reforms, key presidential powers will pass to parliament. The slogans on the flags and tents reads Our Ukraine.

Young activists for Russia’s United Russia party march in support of Ukraine’s pro-Moscow Regions Party on Independence square in Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, March, 22, 2006. Forty five parties are standing in Sunday’s critical parliamentary elections. Under constitutional reforms, key presidential powers will pass to parliament. The slogans on the flags and tents reads Our Ukraine.

 

Also on November 21 2013, Ukrainian MPs refuse to approve a bill that would allow jailed Yulia Tymoshenko to leave the country, probably for Germany.

In 201o, Yanukovych had defeated Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko in the presidential election. She said the vote was rigged. Soon after, she was imprisoned.

 

In this Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011 file photo Police officers lead former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko out of the courtroom after a verdict in her case has been rendered at the Pecherskiy District Court in Kiev, Ukraine. A Kiev court has upheld the conviction and seven-year jail sentence for former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, condemned as politically motivated by the West. Tymoshenko was found guilty of abuse of office in October and sentenced to prison for overstepping her authority while negotiating a natural gas contract with Russia in 2009.

In this Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011 file photo Police officers lead former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko out of the courtroom after a verdict in her case has been rendered at the Pecherskiy District Court in Kiev, Ukraine. A Kiev court has upheld the conviction and seven-year jail sentence for former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, condemned as politically motivated by the West. Tymoshenko was found guilty of abuse of office in October and sentenced to prison for overstepping her authority while negotiating a natural gas contract with Russia in 2009.

 

Trouble was in the air.

 

Activists hang an EU flag during a rally in support of Ukraine's integration with the European Union in the center of Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Nov. 22, 2013.

Activists hang an EU flag during a rally in support of Ukraine’s integration with the European Union in the center of Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Nov. 22, 2013.

Leaflets with a picture of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and a text reading "Freedom for Yulia" fly over the heads of Ukrainians lawmakers in Kiev, Ukraine, Tuesday, Nov. 19. 2013 after an opposition activist tossed the leaflets from a balcony for press. A vote on a bill that would allow the jailed former premier to travel to Germany for medical treatment is scheduled in parliament in the day, only nine days ahead of an important summit with European Union leaders.

Leaflets with a picture of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and a text reading “Freedom for Yulia” fly over the heads of Ukrainians lawmakers in Kiev, Ukraine, Tuesday, Nov. 19. 2013 after an opposition activist tossed the leaflets from a balcony for press. A vote on a bill that would allow the jailed former premier to travel to Germany for medical treatment is scheduled in parliament in the day, only nine days ahead of an important summit with European Union leaders.

Protesters rest in the Kiev City Council building which they occupied in downtown Kiev, Ukraine, on Monday, Dec. 2, 2013. A protest by about 300,000 Ukrainians angered by their government's decision to freeze integration with the West turned violent Sunday, when a group of demonstrators besieged the president's office and police drove them back with truncheons, tear gas and flash grenades. Dozens of people were injured.

Protesters rest in the Kiev City Council building which they occupied in downtown Kiev, Ukraine, on Monday, Dec. 2, 2013. A protest by about 300,000 Ukrainians angered by their government’s decision to freeze integration with the West turned violent Sunday, when a group of demonstrators besieged the president’s office and police drove them back with truncheons, tear gas and flash grenades. Dozens of people were injured.

A protester collects firewood for heating in downtown Kiev, Ukraine, early Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013. Ukraine's opposition failed to force out the government with a parliamentary no-confidence vote Tuesday, leaving political tensions unresolved and a potential standoff between protesters and the country's leaders looming.

A protester collects firewood for heating in downtown Kiev, Ukraine, early Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013. Ukraine’s opposition failed to force out the government with a parliamentary no-confidence vote Tuesday, leaving political tensions unresolved and a potential standoff between protesters and the country’s leaders looming.

A man dressed as a Cossack on a horse parades through the street during a Pro-European Union rally in Independence Square, Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013. The third week of protests continue Sunday with an estimated 200,000 Ukrainians occupying central Kiev to denounce President Viktor Yanukovych’s decision to turn away from Europe and align this ex-Soviet republic with Russia.

A man dressed as a Cossack on a horse parades through the street during a Pro-European Union rally in Independence Square, Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013. The third week of protests continue Sunday with an estimated 200,000 Ukrainians occupying central Kiev to denounce President Viktor Yanukovych’s decision to turn away from Europe and align this ex-Soviet republic with Russia.

A Pro-European Union activist tries to give food to riot police officers preparing to block the Independence Square in KIev, Ukraine, Monday, Dec. 9, 2013. The policemen, wearing helmets and holding shields, formed a chain across Kiev’s main street outside the city building. Organizers called on protesters to vacate the city hall and the other building which the opposition had used as its headquarters.

A Pro-European Union activist tries to give food to riot police officers preparing to block the Independence Square in KIev, Ukraine, Monday, Dec. 9, 2013. The policemen, wearing helmets and holding shields, formed a chain across Kiev’s main street outside the city building. Organizers called on protesters to vacate the city hall and the other building which the opposition had used as its headquarters.

 

 

A woman passes a line of Ukrainian riot police guarding the Ukrainian presidential administration building in Kiev, Ukraine, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013. Top Western diplomats headed to Kiev Tuesday to try to defuse a standoff between President Viktor Yanukovych's government and thousands of demonstrators, following a night in which police in riot gear dismantled protesters' encampments outside government buildings.

A woman passes a line of Ukrainian riot police guarding the Ukrainian presidential administration building in Kiev, Ukraine, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013. Top Western diplomats headed to Kiev Tuesday to try to defuse a standoff between President Viktor Yanukovych’s government and thousands of demonstrators, following a night in which police in riot gear dismantled protesters’ encampments outside government buildings.

Riot police officers block the entrance of city hall during a clash with pro-European Union activists in Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, as protesters pour water from windows and throw smoke grenades against the police. Security forces clashed with protesters as they began tearing down opposition barricades and tents set up in the center of the Ukrainian capital early Wednesday, in an escalation of the weeks-long standoff threatening the leadership of President Viktor Yanukovych.

Riot police officers block the entrance of city hall during a clash with pro-European Union activists in Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, as protesters pour water from windows and throw smoke grenades against the police. Security forces clashed with protesters as they began tearing down opposition barricades and tents set up in the center of the Ukrainian capital early Wednesday, in an escalation of the weeks-long standoff threatening the leadership of President Viktor Yanukovych.

An Pro-European Union activist runs during clash with riot police on the Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013. Security forces clashed with protesters as they began tearing down opposition barricades and tents set up in the center of the Ukrainian capital early Wednesday, in an escalation of the weeks-long standoff threatening the leadership of President Viktor Yanukovych.

An Pro-European Union activist runs during clash with riot police on the Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013. Security forces clashed with protesters as they began tearing down opposition barricades and tents set up in the center of the Ukrainian capital early Wednesday, in an escalation of the weeks-long standoff threatening the leadership of President Viktor Yanukovych.

A supporter of Yanukovych's party of Regions wearing a Ukrainian national flag stands in front of police line during their rally next to pro-European Union's protesters at Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013. The opposition has called for a vast turnout to a rally on Sunday. Rallies on the previous two Sundays drew hundreds of thousands of protesters. That same day, Yanukovych's Party of Regions has called for a pro-government demonstration that it claims will bring 200,000 people to Kiev.

A supporter of Yanukovych’s party of Regions wearing a Ukrainian national flag stands in front of police line during their rally next to pro-European Union’s protesters at Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013. The opposition has called for a vast turnout to a rally on Sunday. Rallies on the previous two Sundays drew hundreds of thousands of protesters. That same day, Yanukovych’s Party of Regions has called for a pro-government demonstration that it claims will bring 200,000 people to Kiev.

Barricades made of snow, tyres, wood and wire, foreground, protect a pro-European Union mass rally from riot police in Independent square in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013. About 200,000 anti-government demonstrators converged on the central square of Ukraine's capital today, a dramatic demonstration that the opposition's morale remains strong after nearly four weeks of daily protests.

Barricades made of snow, tyres, wood and wire, foreground, protect a pro-European Union mass rally from riot police in Independent square in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013. About 200,000 anti-government demonstrators converged on the central square of Ukraine’s capital today, a dramatic demonstration that the opposition’s morale remains strong after nearly four weeks of daily protests.

An activist plays the piano for Pro-European Union supporters which warm themselves near a bonfire in the city main street of Khreschatyk in Kiev Ukraine, Monday, Dec. 16, 2013. Ukraine's opposition appears confident and shows no sign of relenting in its standoff with the government. The government has made some gestures toward the opposition, rejected some of its main demands and is opaque on another.

An activist plays the piano for Pro-European Union supporters which warm themselves near a bonfire in the city main street of Khreschatyk in Kiev Ukraine, Monday, Dec. 16, 2013. Ukraine’s opposition appears confident and shows no sign of relenting in its standoff with the government. The government has made some gestures toward the opposition, rejected some of its main demands and is opaque on another.

 

 pro-European Union activist unwinds barbed wire to reinforce the barricades around Independence Square in case the tent camp is stormed by police, in Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych both pledged Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013 to boost economic and trade ties to expand the "strategic partnership" between the two neighbors.

pro-European Union activist unwinds barbed wire to reinforce the barricades around Independence Square in case the tent camp is stormed by police, in Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych both pledged Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013 to boost economic and trade ties to expand the “strategic partnership” between the two neighbors.

Pro-European Union activists decorate a Christmas tree during a rally in Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Dec. 20, 2013. Anti-government demonstrators continued to occupy Kiev's Independence Square, expressing their anger over a bailout Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych negotiated with Russia earlier this week.

Pro-European Union activists decorate a Christmas tree during a rally in Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Dec. 20, 2013. Anti-government demonstrators continued to occupy Kiev’s Independence Square, expressing their anger over a bailout Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych negotiated with Russia earlier this week.

Newlyweds Mikhail and Margarita Nakonechniy share a tender moment in front of barricades on Independence Square, in a gesture of support for pro-Europe activists in Kiev, Ukraine, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013.

Newlyweds Mikhail and Margarita Nakonechniy share a tender moment in front of barricades on Independence Square, in a gesture of support for pro-Europe activists in Kiev, Ukraine, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013.

Pro-European Union activists gather during a rally in Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. Protesters in Kiev are demanding President Viktor Yanukovych's resignation over his decision to ditch a pact with the European Union in favor of closer ties with Russia. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

Pro-European Union activists gather during a rally in Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. Protesters in Kiev are demanding President Viktor Yanukovych’s resignation over his decision to ditch a pact with the European Union in favor of closer ties with Russia. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)

 

Pro-European Union activists hold light as they sing the Ukrainian national anthem, celebrating the New Year in the Ukrainian capital Kiev's main square early Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. At least 100,000 Ukrainians sang the country's national anthem together at the square on New Year's Eve in a sign of support for integration with Europe. Opposition leaders had called on Ukrainians to come to Kiev's Maidan on the New Year's Eve and sing the national anthem in an act of defiance and what they expected could be the record-breaking live singing of an anthem.

Pro-European Union activists hold light as they sing the Ukrainian national anthem, celebrating the New Year in the Ukrainian capital Kiev’s main square early Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. At least 100,000 Ukrainians sang the country’s national anthem together at the square on New Year’s Eve in a sign of support for integration with Europe. Opposition leaders had called on Ukrainians to come to Kiev’s Maidan on the New Year’s Eve and sing the national anthem in an act of defiance and what they expected could be the record-breaking live singing of an anthem.

Pro-European Union activists hold light as they sing the Ukrainian national anthem, celebrating the New Year in the Ukrainian capital Kiev's main square early Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. At least 100,000 Ukrainians sang the country's national anthem together at the square on New Year's Eve in a sign of support for integration with Europe. Opposition leaders had called on Ukrainians to come to Kiev's Maidan on the New Year's Eve and sing the national anthem in an act of defiance and what they expected could be the record-breaking live singing of an anthem.

Pro-European Union activists hold light as they sing the Ukrainian national anthem, celebrating the New Year in the Ukrainian capital Kiev’s main square early Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. At least 100,000 Ukrainians sang the country’s national anthem together at the square on New Year’s Eve in a sign of support for integration with Europe. Opposition leaders had called on Ukrainians to come to Kiev’s Maidan on the New Year’s Eve and sing the national anthem in an act of defiance and what they expected could be the record-breaking live singing of an anthem.

pposition leader and former WBC heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko is attacked and sprayed with a fire extinguisher as he tries to stop the clash between police and protesters in central Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014. Hundreds of protesters on Sunday clashed with riot police in the center of the Ukrainian capital, after the passage of harsh anti-protest legislation last week seen as part of attempts to quash anti-government demonstrations. A group of radical activists began attacking riot police with sticks, trying to push their way toward the Ukrainian parliament building, which has been cordoned off by rows of police and buses.

pposition leader and former WBC heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko is attacked and sprayed with a fire extinguisher as he tries to stop the clash between police and protesters in central Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014. Hundreds of protesters on Sunday clashed with riot police in the center of the Ukrainian capital, after the passage of harsh anti-protest legislation last week seen as part of attempts to quash anti-government demonstrations. A group of radical activists began attacking riot police with sticks, trying to push their way toward the Ukrainian parliament building, which has been cordoned off by rows of police and buses.

Protesters clad in improvised protective gear prepare for a clash with police in central Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, Jan. 20, 2014. After a night of vicious streets battles, anti-government protesters and police clashed anew Monday in the Ukrainian capital Kiev. (

Protesters clad in improvised protective gear prepare for a clash with police in central Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, Jan. 20, 2014. After a night of vicious streets battles, anti-government protesters and police clashed anew Monday in the Ukrainian capital Kiev. (

A police officer throws a Molotov cocktail during clashes with protesters in central Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. Two people have died in clashes between protesters and police in the Ukrainian capital Wednesday, according to medics on the site, in a development that will likely escalate Ukraine's two month-long political crisis. The mass protests in the capital of Kiev erupted after Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych spurned a pact with the European Union in favor of close ties with Russia, which offered him a $15 billion bailout.

A police officer throws a Molotov cocktail during clashes with protesters in central Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. Two people have died in clashes between protesters and police in the Ukrainian capital Wednesday, according to medics on the site, in a development that will likely escalate Ukraine’s two month-long political crisis. The mass protests in the capital of Kiev erupted after Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych spurned a pact with the European Union in favor of close ties with Russia, which offered him a $15 billion bailout.

Protesters clash with police in central Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. Three people have died in clashes between protesters and police in the Ukrainian capital Wednesday, according to medics on the site, in a development that will likely escalate Ukraine's two month-long political crisis. The mass protests in the capital of Kiev erupted after Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych spurned a pact with the European Union in favor of close ties with Russia, which offered him a $15 billion bailout.

Protesters clash with police in central Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. Three people have died in clashes between protesters and police in the Ukrainian capital Wednesday, according to medics on the site, in a development that will likely escalate Ukraine’s two month-long political crisis. The mass protests in the capital of Kiev erupted after Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych spurned a pact with the European Union in favor of close ties with Russia, which offered him a $15 billion bailout.

Pro-government hired thugs, referred to as "titushki" are captured by protesters in central Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. Anti-government protesters tied the suspected hired thugs, stained them with paint and then released them. Police in Ukraine's capital on Wednesday tore down protester barricades and chased demonstrators away from the site of violent clashes.

Pro-government hired thugs, referred to as “titushki” are captured by protesters in central Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. Anti-government protesters tied the suspected hired thugs, stained them with paint and then released them. Police in Ukraine’s capital on Wednesday tore down protester barricades and chased demonstrators away from the site of violent clashes.

A police officer aims his shotgun during clashes with protesters in central Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. City health officials and police said that two people died of gunshot wounds during the clashes Wednesday morning. But the opposition charges that as many as five people have died. The mass protests in the capital of Kiev erupted after Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych spurned a pact with the European Union in favor of close ties with Russia, which offered him a $15 billion bailout.

A police officer aims his shotgun during clashes with protesters in central Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. City health officials and police said that two people died of gunshot wounds during the clashes Wednesday morning. But the opposition charges that as many as five people have died. The mass protests in the capital of Kiev erupted after Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych spurned a pact with the European Union in favor of close ties with Russia, which offered him a $15 billion bailout.

In this photo taken on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013 in Kiev, Ukraine Sergei Nigoyan, center, a 20-year-old ethnic Armenian who joined the protests in December after traveling from his home in the eastern city of Dnipropetrovsk, stands on a barricade in Kiev, Ukraine. The protesters' deaths, the first since the largely peaceful protests started in November, fueled fears that the daily demonstrations aimed at bringing down the government over its decision to shun the European Union for closer ties to Moscow and over human rights violations could turn more violent. One of the victims of clashes in Kiev was identified as Sergei Nigoyan.

In this photo taken on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013 in Kiev, Ukraine Sergei Nigoyan, center, a 20-year-old ethnic Armenian who joined the protests in December after traveling from his home in the eastern city of Dnipropetrovsk, stands on a barricade in Kiev, Ukraine. The protesters’ deaths, the first since the largely peaceful protests started in November, fueled fears that the daily demonstrations aimed at bringing down the government over its decision to shun the European Union for closer ties to Moscow and over human rights violations could turn more violent. One of the victims of clashes in Kiev was identified as Sergei Nigoyan.

In this file photo taken on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014, A protester aims fireworks at police during clashes, in central Kiev, Ukraine. Thick black smoke from burning tires engulfed parts of downtown Kiev as an ultimatum issued by the opposition to the president to call early elections or face street rage was set to expire with no sign of a compromise on Thursday.

In this file photo taken on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014, A protester aims fireworks at police during clashes, in central Kiev, Ukraine. Thick black smoke from burning tires engulfed parts of downtown Kiev as an ultimatum issued by the opposition to the president to call early elections or face street rage was set to expire with no sign of a compromise on Thursday.

In this file photo taken on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014, A protester aims fireworks at police during clashes, in central Kiev, Ukraine. Thick black smoke from burning tires engulfed parts of downtown Kiev as an ultimatum issued by the opposition to the president to call early elections or face street rage was set to expire with no sign of a compromise on Thursday.

In this file photo taken on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014, A protester aims fireworks at police during clashes, in central Kiev, Ukraine. Thick black smoke from burning tires engulfed parts of downtown Kiev as an ultimatum issued by the opposition to the president to call early elections or face street rage was set to expire with no sign of a compromise on Thursday.

Protesters sit next to a shop mannequin as they guard the barricades in front of riot police in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Jan. 24, 2014.

Protesters sit next to a shop mannequin as they guard the barricades in front of riot police in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Jan. 24, 2014.

 In this Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014 file photo a protester points a handgun during a clash with police in central Kiev, Ukraine. After two months of anti-government protests, modern Ukraine has never been so bitterly polarized. To be sure, Ukraine has long been divided. Russia and Europe have vied for dominance for centuries, causing deep cultural differences between the mostly Ukrainian-speaking western and central regions on the one hand, and the Russian-speaking east and south on the other. But as the crisis has deepened, each side has grown stronger in its convictions, and those who stood in the middle have been forced to choose sides.

In this Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014 file photo a protester points a handgun during a clash with police in central Kiev, Ukraine. After two months of anti-government protests, modern Ukraine has never been so bitterly polarized. To be sure, Ukraine has long been divided. Russia and Europe have vied for dominance for centuries, causing deep cultural differences between the mostly Ukrainian-speaking western and central regions on the one hand, and the Russian-speaking east and south on the other. But as the crisis has deepened, each side has grown stronger in its convictions, and those who stood in the middle have been forced to choose sides.

A protester sprays water on a street in the hopes it will freeze, thus making it inaccessible to police in front of the Justice Ministry in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday Jan. 27, 2014. Protesters seized the Justice Ministry building Sunday night, adding another government building to the several already occupied by the opposition.

A protester sprays water on a street in the hopes it will freeze, thus making it inaccessible to police in front of the Justice Ministry in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday Jan. 27, 2014. Protesters seized the Justice Ministry building Sunday night, adding another government building to the several already occupied by the opposition.

Riot police shoot water from water cannon against protesters during a clash in central Kiev, Ukraine, Saturday Jan. 25, 2014. Ukraine's Interior Ministry has accused protesters in Kiev of capturing two of its officers as violent clashes have resumed in the capital and anti-government riots spread across Ukraine.

Riot police shoot water from water cannon against protesters during a clash in central Kiev, Ukraine, Saturday Jan. 25, 2014. Ukraine’s Interior Ministry has accused protesters in Kiev of capturing two of its officers as violent clashes have resumed in the capital and anti-government riots spread across Ukraine.

 

Ukrainian opposition leader Vitali Klitschko, top, speaks to Dmytro Bulatov in hospital, in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Jan. 31, 2014. Bulatov a Ukrainian opposition activist who went missing last week says he was kidnapped and tortured, the latest in a string of mysterious attacks on anti-government protesters in the two-month-long political crisis. Dmytro Bulatov, 35, a member of Automaidan, a group of car owners that has taken part in the protests against President Viktor Yanukovych, went missing Jan. 22. He was discovered outside Kiev on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014. He said his kidnappers beat him severely, nailed him to a cross, sliced off a piece of ear and cut his face.

Ukrainian opposition leader Vitali Klitschko, top, speaks to Dmytro Bulatov in hospital, in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Jan. 31, 2014. Bulatov a Ukrainian opposition activist who went missing last week says he was kidnapped and tortured, the latest in a string of mysterious attacks on anti-government protesters in the two-month-long political crisis. Dmytro Bulatov, 35, a member of Automaidan, a group of car owners that has taken part in the protests against President Viktor Yanukovych, went missing Jan. 22. He was discovered outside Kiev on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014. He said his kidnappers beat him severely, nailed him to a cross, sliced off a piece of ear and cut his face.

Ukrainian opposition leader Vitali Klitschko, top, speaks to Dmytro Bulatov in hospital, in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Jan. 31, 2014. Bulatov a Ukrainian opposition activist who went missing last week says he was kidnapped and tortured, the latest in a string of mysterious attacks on anti-government protesters in the two-month-long political crisis. Dmytro Bulatov, 35, a member of Automaidan, a group of car owners that has taken part in the protests against President Viktor Yanukovych, went missing Jan. 22. He was discovered outside Kiev on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014. He said his kidnappers beat him severely, nailed him to a cross, sliced off a piece of ear and cut his face.

Ukrainian opposition leader Vitali Klitschko, top, speaks to Dmytro Bulatov in hospital, in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Jan. 31, 2014. Bulatov a Ukrainian opposition activist who went missing last week says he was kidnapped and tortured, the latest in a string of mysterious attacks on anti-government protesters in the two-month-long political crisis. Dmytro Bulatov, 35, a member of Automaidan, a group of car owners that has taken part in the protests against President Viktor Yanukovych, went missing Jan. 22. He was discovered outside Kiev on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014. He said his kidnappers beat him severely, nailed him to a cross, sliced off a piece of ear and cut his face.

Tourists make photos of barricades in front of riot police in central Kiev, the epicenter of the country's current unrest, Ukraine, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014. Ukraine’s security agency on Sunday warned of a heightened risk of terrorism, including from the anti-government protests. The warning raised the pressure on the opposition as parliament tries to find a way out of the crisis.

Tourists make photos of barricades in front of riot police in central Kiev, the epicenter of the country’s current unrest, Ukraine, Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014. Ukraine’s security agency on Sunday warned of a heightened risk of terrorism, including from the anti-government protests. The warning raised the pressure on the opposition as parliament tries to find a way out of the crisis.

An opposition supporter plays the piano on barricades in front of riot police in central Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, Feb. 10, 2014. Ukraine has been rocked by nearly three months of anti-government protests sparked by President Viktor Yanukovich's refusal to sign a wide-ranging trade agreement with the European Union.

An opposition supporter plays the piano on barricades in front of riot police in central Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, Feb. 10, 2014. Ukraine has been rocked by nearly three months of anti-government protests sparked by President Viktor Yanukovich’s refusal to sign a wide-ranging trade agreement with the European Union.

An opposition protester holds a shield depicting, what he said, is a self-portrait with his girlfriend in a sign of love on a Valentine's Day while protesters prepare for a rally in Kiev's Independence Square, the epicenter of the country's current unrest, Ukraine, Friday, Feb. 14, 2014.

An opposition protester holds a shield depicting, what he said, is a self-portrait with his girlfriend in a sign of love on a Valentine’s Day while protesters prepare for a rally in Kiev’s Independence Square, the epicenter of the country’s current unrest, Ukraine, Friday, Feb. 14, 2014.

An anti-government protester throw a stone during clashes with riot police outside Ukraine's parliament in Kiev, Ukraine, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. Thousands of angry anti-government protesters clashed with police in a new eruption of violence following new maneuvering by Russia and the European Union to gain influence over this former Soviet republic.

An anti-government protester throw a stone during clashes with riot police outside Ukraine’s parliament in Kiev, Ukraine, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. Thousands of angry anti-government protesters clashed with police in a new eruption of violence following new maneuvering by Russia and the European Union to gain influence over this former Soviet republic.

 

An anti-government protester threatens riot police outside Ukraine's parliament in Kiev, Ukraine, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. Thousands of angry anti-government protesters clashed with police in a new eruption of violence following new maneuvering by Russia and the European Union to gain influence over this former Soviet republic.

An anti-government protester threatens riot police outside Ukraine’s parliament in Kiev, Ukraine, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. Thousands of angry anti-government protesters clashed with police in a new eruption of violence following new maneuvering by Russia and the European Union to gain influence over this former Soviet republic.

An anti-government protester is engulfed in flames during clashes with riot police outside Ukraine's parliament in Kiev, Ukraine, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014.

An anti-government protester is engulfed in flames during clashes with riot police outside Ukraine’s parliament in Kiev, Ukraine, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014.

A policeman, center, tries to stop Ukrainian protesters as they seize police headquarters in Lviv, western Ukraine, early Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014. The violence on Tuesday was the worst in nearly three months of anti-government protests that have paralyzed Ukraine's capital, Kiev, in a struggle over the identity of a nation divided in loyalties between Russia and the West, and the worst in the country's post-Soviet history.

A policeman, center, tries to stop Ukrainian protesters as they seize police headquarters in Lviv, western Ukraine, early Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014. The violence on Tuesday was the worst in nearly three months of anti-government protests that have paralyzed Ukraine’s capital, Kiev, in a struggle over the identity of a nation divided in loyalties between Russia and the West, and the worst in the country’s post-Soviet history.

Anti-government protesters use a catapult during clashes with riot police in Kiev's Independence Square, the epicenter of the country's current unrest, Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014. The deadly clashes in Ukraine’s capital have drawn sharp reactions from Washington, generated talk of possible European Union sanctions and led to a Kremlin statement blaming Europe and the West

Anti-government protesters use a catapult during clashes with riot police in Kiev’s Independence Square, the epicenter of the country’s current unrest, Kiev, Ukraine, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014. The deadly clashes in Ukraine’s capital have drawn sharp reactions from Washington, generated talk of possible European Union sanctions and led to a Kremlin statement blaming Europe and the West

Police officers carry mattresses to take a rest at Ukraine's parliament in Kiev, Ukraine, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. Ferocious street battles between protesters and police in the Ukrainian capital have left dozens dead and hundreds wounded in the past few days, raising fears that the ex-Soviet nation, whose loyalties are split between Russia and the West, is in an uncontrollable spiral of violence.

Police officers carry mattresses to take a rest at Ukraine’s parliament in Kiev, Ukraine, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. Ferocious street battles between protesters and police in the Ukrainian capital have left dozens dead and hundreds wounded in the past few days, raising fears that the ex-Soviet nation, whose loyalties are split between Russia and the West, is in an uncontrollable spiral of violence.

Activists have a rest at the burning barricades, on the side of bloody clashes close to Independence Square, the epicenter of the country's current unrest, Kiev, Ukraine, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. Fearing that a call for a truce was a ruse, protesters tossed firebombs and advanced upon police lines Thursday in Ukraine's embattled capital. Government snipers shot back and the almost medieval melee that ensued left scores of people dead.

Activists have a rest at the burning barricades, on the side of bloody clashes close to Independence Square, the epicenter of the country’s current unrest, Kiev, Ukraine, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. Fearing that a call for a truce was a ruse, protesters tossed firebombs and advanced upon police lines Thursday in Ukraine’s embattled capital. Government snipers shot back and the almost medieval melee that ensued left scores of people dead.

View on Independence Square, the epicenter of the country's current unrest, Kiev, Ukraine, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. Fierce clashes between police and protesters in Ukraine's capital have shattered the brief truce Thursday and an Associated Press reporter has seen dozens of bodies laid out on the edge of the protest encampment.

View on Independence Square, the epicenter of the country’s current unrest, Kiev, Ukraine, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. Fierce clashes between police and protesters in Ukraine’s capital have shattered the brief truce Thursday and an Associated Press reporter has seen dozens of bodies laid out on the edge of the protest encampment.

Anti-government protesters reinforce a barricade in central Kiev, Ukraine, late Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. Protesters advanced on police lines in the heart of the Ukrainian capital on Thursday, prompting government snipers to shoot back and kill scores of people in the country's deadliest day since the breakup of the Soviet Union a quarter-century ago.

Anti-government protesters reinforce a barricade in central Kiev, Ukraine, late Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. Protesters advanced on police lines in the heart of the Ukrainian capital on Thursday, prompting government snipers to shoot back and kill scores of people in the country’s deadliest day since the breakup of the Soviet Union a quarter-century ago.

Opposition lawmaker Andriy Parubiy, right, tries to convince protesters to let a group of policemen, captured earlier Thursday, go in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014. The policemen were eventually set free. Ukraine's presidency said Friday that it has negotiated an international deal intended to end battles between police and protesters that have killed scores and injured hundreds. It was unclear whether the deal would appease protesters, and shots rang out Friday morning in central Kiev.

Opposition lawmaker Andriy Parubiy, right, tries to convince protesters to let a group of policemen, captured earlier Thursday, go in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014. The policemen were eventually set free. Ukraine’s presidency said Friday that it has negotiated an international deal intended to end battles between police and protesters that have killed scores and injured hundreds. It was unclear whether the deal would appease protesters, and shots rang out Friday morning in central Kiev.

Riot police leave the Presidential office in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014. Ukraine’s opposition leaders signed a deal Friday with the president and European mediators for early elections and a new government in hopes of ending a deadly political crisis. Russian officials immediately criticized the deal and protesters angry over police violence showed no sign of abandoning their camp in central Kiev.

Riot police leave the Presidential office in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014. Ukraine’s opposition leaders signed a deal Friday with the president and European mediators for early elections and a new government in hopes of ending a deadly political crisis. Russian officials immediately criticized the deal and protesters angry over police violence showed no sign of abandoning their camp in central Kiev.

 

 

Olesya Zhukovska lies on her hospital bed in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014. “I am dying,” Olesya Zhukovska, a 21-year-old volunteer medic wrote on Twitter, minutes after she got hit in the neck by a sniper bullet as deadly clashes broke out in the center of the Ukrainian capital between protesters and police. But miraculously, Zhukovska survived, becoming a symbol of the three month-long protest against President Viktor Yanukvoych’s government.

Olesya Zhukovska lies on her hospital bed in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Feb. 21, 2014. “I am dying,” Olesya Zhukovska, a 21-year-old volunteer medic wrote on Twitter, minutes after she got hit in the neck by a sniper bullet as deadly clashes broke out in the center of the Ukrainian capital between protesters and police. But miraculously, Zhukovska survived, becoming a symbol of the three month-long protest against President Viktor Yanukvoych’s government.

An open casket with the body of Bogdan Solchunuk, 28, lays in the centre of St. Paul and Peter church, during his funeral service in Lviv, western Ukraine, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014. Church services were held Saturday in the pro-opposition stronghold of Lviv in the west of Ukraine for the locals who were killed in Kiev during the past week. Lviv activists say 19 of their people were killed in the violence at Maidan.

An open casket with the body of Bogdan Solchunuk, 28, lays in the centre of St. Paul and Peter church, during his funeral service in Lviv, western Ukraine, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014. Church services were held Saturday in the pro-opposition stronghold of Lviv in the west of Ukraine for the locals who were killed in Kiev during the past week. Lviv activists say 19 of their people were killed in the violence at Maidan.

People walk on the territory of Ukrainian President Yanukovych's countryside residence in Mezhyhirya, Kiev's region, Ukraine, Saturday, Feb, 22, 2014. Viktor Yanukovych is not in his official residence of Mezhyhirya, which is about 20 km (12.5 miles) north of the capital.

People walk on the territory of Ukrainian President Yanukovych’s countryside residence in Mezhyhirya, Kiev’s region, Ukraine, Saturday, Feb, 22, 2014. Viktor Yanukovych is not in his official residence of Mezhyhirya, which is about 20 km (12.5 miles) north of the capital.

Protesters try to play on a golf course at the Ukrainian President Yanukovych's countryside residence in Mezhyhirya, Kiev's region, Ukraine, Saturday, Feb, 22, 2014. Viktor Yanukovych is not in his official residence of Mezhyhirya, which is about 20 kilometres north of the capital. Ukrainian security and volunteers from among Independence Square protesters have joined forces to protect the presidential countryside retreat from vandalism and looting.

Protesters try to play on a golf course at the Ukrainian President Yanukovych’s countryside residence in Mezhyhirya, Kiev’s region, Ukraine, Saturday, Feb, 22, 2014. Viktor Yanukovych is not in his official residence of Mezhyhirya, which is about 20 kilometres north of the capital. Ukrainian security and volunteers from among Independence Square protesters have joined forces to protect the presidential countryside retreat from vandalism and looting.

Former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko addresses the crowd in central Kiev, Ukraine, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014. Hours after being released from prison, former Ukrainian prime minister and opposition icon Yulia Tymoshenko praised the demonstrators killed in violence this week as heroes.

Former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko addresses the crowd in central Kiev, Ukraine, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014. Hours after being released from prison, former Ukrainian prime minister and opposition icon Yulia Tymoshenko praised the demonstrators killed in violence this week as heroes.

A sticker depicting Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych is placed on a burned military truck in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014. The Kiev protest camp at the center of the anti-President Viktor Yanukovych movement filled with more and more dedicated demonstrators Sunday morning setting up new tents after a day that saw a stunning reversal of fortune in a political standoff that has left scores dead and worried the United States, Europe and Russia.

A sticker depicting Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych is placed on a burned military truck in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014. The Kiev protest camp at the center of the anti-President Viktor Yanukovych movement filled with more and more dedicated demonstrators Sunday morning setting up new tents after a day that saw a stunning reversal of fortune in a political standoff that has left scores dead and worried the United States, Europe and Russia.

People paint on the KGB officers monument in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014. A top Ukrainian opposition figure assumed presidential powers Sunday, plunging Ukraine into new uncertainty after a deadly political standoff and boosting long-jailed Yulia Tymoshenko's chances at a return to power. The whereabouts and legitimacy of President Viktor Yanukovych are unclear after he left the capital for his support base in eastern Ukraine.

People paint on the KGB officers monument in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014. A top Ukrainian opposition figure assumed presidential powers Sunday, plunging Ukraine into new uncertainty after a deadly political standoff and boosting long-jailed Yulia Tymoshenko’s chances at a return to power. The whereabouts and legitimacy of President Viktor Yanukovych are unclear after he left the capital for his support base in eastern Ukraine.

Women pass by flowers laid on burned military vehicles in central Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. Ukraine's acting government issued a warrant Monday for the arrest of President Viktor Yanukovych, last reportedly seen in the pro-Russian Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, accusing him of mass crimes against protesters who stood up for months against his rule.

Women pass by flowers laid on burned military vehicles in central Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. Ukraine’s acting government issued a warrant Monday for the arrest of President Viktor Yanukovych, last reportedly seen in the pro-Russian Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, accusing him of mass crimes against protesters who stood up for months against his rule.

 

Rosary beads hang on a barricade in Kiev's Independence Square, the epicenter of the country's current unrest, Ukraine, Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. Ukraine's acting government issued a warrant Monday for the arrest of President Viktor Yanukovych, last reportedly seen in the pro-Russian Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, accusing him of mass crimes against protesters who stood up for months against his rule.

Rosary beads hang on a barricade in Kiev’s Independence Square, the epicenter of the country’s current unrest, Ukraine, Monday, Feb. 24, 2014. Ukraine’s acting government issued a warrant Monday for the arrest of President Viktor Yanukovych, last reportedly seen in the pro-Russian Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, accusing him of mass crimes against protesters who stood up for months against his rule.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



More Galleries

Posted: 24th, February 2014 | In: In Pictures, Photojournalism, Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink