So there is some stuff going on in Eastern Europe these days, and I thought we could talk about it!
![ukra-MMAP-md.png]()
What happened?
Back in November, the the President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, unexpectedly cancelled a trade deal with the European Union. Right after that, Russian promised to loan Ukraine $15 billion and give it discounts on gas. Many people saw this as Russia trying to keep Ukraine in its sphere of influence.
So then protests started in Kiev, the capital. In response, the government passed anti-protest laws, and things escalated from there, with some protesters dead. Not long after, Yanukovych fled the country for Russia, and a new Ukrainian government was formed.
So everything is good, right?
No! Russia, which has a naval base in Ukraine, was not pleased with these events. In eastern Ukraine is an area called Crimea, which is made up of mostly ethnic Russians, who favor closer ties with Russia. Russian troops have entered Crimea, technically to "protect" the ethnic Russians there. In response, the EU and the US have imposed sanctions, and here we are!
Is Ukraine Weak?
![image]()
What happened?
Back in November, the the President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, unexpectedly cancelled a trade deal with the European Union. Right after that, Russian promised to loan Ukraine $15 billion and give it discounts on gas. Many people saw this as Russia trying to keep Ukraine in its sphere of influence.
So then protests started in Kiev, the capital. In response, the government passed anti-protest laws, and things escalated from there, with some protesters dead. Not long after, Yanukovych fled the country for Russia, and a new Ukrainian government was formed.
So everything is good, right?
No! Russia, which has a naval base in Ukraine, was not pleased with these events. In eastern Ukraine is an area called Crimea, which is made up of mostly ethnic Russians, who favor closer ties with Russia. Russian troops have entered Crimea, technically to "protect" the ethnic Russians there. In response, the EU and the US have imposed sanctions, and here we are!
Is Ukraine Weak?
