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According to NPR, August 24 is the official and celebrated Independence Day in Ukraine.
In December, with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukrainians vote to make and approve the declaration of their independence. -
According to NPR, The Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances, a treaty to transfer away all the missiles, warheads and other nuclear weapons, is signed in late December.
It guarantees an exchange that the signatories Russia, United States and the United Kingdom will respect and honor Ukraine’s sovereignty, as well as independence and rights to its territory. -
Based on sources from BBC, during November and December, a presidential election between Viktor Yushchenko and Viktor Yanukovych creates a massive protest in opposition to Yanukovych's victory, which was supported by Russian President, Vladimir Putin.
After Ukrainians took over the streets representing orange, Yushchenko’s campaign color, there was a re-election held, resulting in Yushenko’s victory. -
After Ukraine’s effort and desire to join NATO (The North Atlantic Treaty Organization), a military alliance established after World War II to preserve peace and security within the North Atlantic areas, they request a membership action plan (MAP) which is the first step to join the alliance. NATO promises that one day Ukraine will join, NPR reported.
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According to the Indian Express, in late November 2013, there’s a sudden decision of President Yanukovych, who was elected in 2010, refusing to sign an agreement with the EU at the last minute, when it promised to plan and work towards its relationship. However, blaming Russian pressure for his reason.
It leads to protests and violence between protesters and police resulted in more than 100 deaths. Later in February 2014, Yanukovych is ousted from office and flees to Russia. -
A month after, Russia takes the chance and annexes Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula. In a referendum in Crimea, 97% of the voters are in favor of becoming part of Russia. However it's not recognized by many countries and considered illegitimate. In response, The US and the EU impose sanctions on Russia.
In April, Pro-Russian separatists seize part of Eastern Ukraine. As a result, violence breaks out between separatists and the Ukrainian army. Tension between Russia and Ukraine grew ever since. -
Based on sources from BBC News, In April, Volodymyr Zelensky, former comedian and actor, was elected as president. In his campaign, he aimes to make peace with Russia and take corruption out of the government. -
Based on sources from Aljazeera, The United States and United Kingdom leaders urge its citizens in Ukraine to evacuate as invasion tension escalates. As well as placing economic sanctions in Russia. Putin continues to build troops on the borders of Ukraine.
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According to Aljazeera, Russian forces launch an assault on Ukraines’ territory with missiles, cities including Kyiv. Volodymyr Zelensky vows to defend his nation. -
There’s a flood of Western sanctions that target the Russian economy including restrictions of Russia’s central bank. Poland says about 100,000 people have crossed to its country from Ukraine as the invasion grows. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announces he will join the fight for his country. The conflict’s aftermath is still ongoing, Aljazeera reported.