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It has been suggested that this article be merged into 2014 Crimea conflict. (Discuss) Proposed since February 2014.

Following anti-government protests that began in 2013, and culminated in the impeachment of President Viktor Yanukovich, residents of the Eastern and Southern parts of the country, protested against the move. This led to polarization to a level that warnings were issued against the partition of Ukraine.

Background

Towards the end of 2013, anti-government protests began over the issue of Accession of Ukraine to the European Union which President Viktor Yanukovich rejected. This was viewed by the media as a step closer towards Russia-Ukraine relations. As the protests escalated into 2014, it eventually led to deaths as a result of violence. Parliament then voted to impeach Yanukovich as he went into hiding; an arrest warrant was also issued for him. In the aftermath, Ukraine disbanded the Berkut, which acting interior minister Arsen Avakov accused of being culpable for the deaths. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian Armed Forces to be "put on alert in the Western Military District as well as units stationed with the 2nd Army Central Military District Command involved in aerospace defense, airborne troops and long-range military transport." Despite media speculation it was for in reaction to the events in Ukraine Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said it was in separate consideration from the unrest in Ukraine.

Protests

As an international arrest warrant was issued for Yanukovich, pro and anti-government protests occurred in Simferopol. As the protests got more heated, the police intervened to separate the protesters.

Reactions

Party of Regions and Crimean parliament Speaker Vladimir Konstantinov said to the protesters: "I share your anxiety and concern about the future of Crimea. I declare that I'm not going anywhere and will be here with you. We will fight for an autonomous republic until the end."

A Russian Duma delegation led by Leonid Eduardovich Slutsky visited Simferopol on 25 September and said: "If the parliament of the Crimean autonomy or its residents express the wish to join the Russian Federation, Russia will be prepared to consider this sort of application. We will be examining the situation and doing so fast."

References

1. ^ http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-26354705?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=%2AMorning%20Brief&utm_campaign=MB%202.26.14
2. http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304709904579406310892324006?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=%2AMorning%20Brief&utm_campaign=MB%202.26.14
3. http://edition.cnn.com/2014/02/26/world/europe/ukraine-politics/
4. http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2014/02/25/all_not_quiet_on_ukraine_s_eastern_front

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