Oleksandr RUSNAK, PhD^

One of the catalysts of aggression of Russian Federation against Ukraine were the events of 2013-2014. On the one hand, the Revolution of Dignity left a deep, decisive and unforgettable track in history. Its ideals, hopes and decisions dramatically changed the Ukrainian mentality, started and continue to form our new political identity. On the other hand, Ukraine became the object of Russian aggression. Temporarily occupied Crimea, servicemen and mercenaries from Russian Federation invaded Donbas. The people of Ukraine defended human rights and democratic freedoms, made real steps on the path to European integration. At the same time Moscow tried to return us “under its wing”.

Let’s briefly recall out of what all started. With the coming to power of Viktor Yanukovych, the concentration of power turned up in the hands of the Party of Regions. At the same time, persecutions of oppositionists, oppression of freedom of speech and persecution of journalists have begun. Yanukovych’s coming to power was marked by a return to pro-Russian foreign policy. Already on April 21, 2010, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited Kharkiv, where was signed an agreement on which the Ukrainian side agreed to extend the term of Russian Black Sea Fleet deployment until 2042. Also, president Viktor Yanukovych abolished Commission on Preparing Ukraine’s Accession to NATO.