1.

What are the three core factors that led to the chaos,
according to the article?
The three core factors that led to the chaos were a broken
promise between Viktor F. Yanukovich and his citizens. He had
promised to combine Ukraine with the European Union by signing
sweeping political trade agreements, but he refused to sign it.
Also the Cold War era fight between Russia and the West for
influence over countries in Eastern Europe who are still suffering
from political and economic problems. Kremlins main focus is to
expand the Western military, and economic power. This causes a
huge threat to its military, and economic interests in Ukraine. The
last reason is because of the government. The government gives
off brutal responses to the street protests. This protests started
because of the ties with the European Union. Ukraine is supposed
to be a peaceful society, but if the government shows violence its
ironic.
2. Why does Russia feel threatened by Ukraine forming a closer
partnership with Europe?
They feel threatened because their Black sea naval fleet is in
Ukraine, and crucial pipelines in Ukraine carry Russias natural gas
to customers in Europe. European officials didnt listen to Russias
concerns which Russia saw as a serious misjudgment. Russia had
huge control over Ukraines gas supply, and Eastern Ukraines
dependence of Russia for business and trade. Also in 2009 the
European Union made an Eastern Partnership program to build a

stronger relationships between Ukraine and Russia. This was seen

as partnership against Russia.
3. Why did many Ukrainians, especially in the Western part of the
country, want Ukraine to sign political and economic agreements
with the European Union?
The Western part wanted it to be signed because they saw
accords with Europe as symbolic of a larger push to improve their
lives. They also thought reforms were needed especially to the
economy and the justice system. Mr. Yanukovych signed a decree
to direct the government to sign these accords.
4. Why did street protests erupt in November 2013?
Mr. Yanukovych signed a decree to direct the government to sign
accords. There were many street protests because Mr.
Yanukovych wouldnt move forward. Nothing seemed to be moving
forward, so people were angry. Protesters are demanding closer
ties with the European Union, and the resignation of Yanukovych.
5. What were some of the government missteps that helped
further fuel the protests?
The rallies seemed to get worse after Russia gave Mr. Yanukovych
fifteenth billion in loans and natural gas discounts. Russia wanted
to help Yanukovych because he was financially troubled. Police
were beating many young protesters; therefore, this made many
people angry. There were also new laws restricting free speech
and assembly. This made protests begin to get really deadly

because they were furious. Protesters threw firebombs at the

police, and the authorities used gunfire against them.
6. What additional questions do you have about whats going on in
Ukraine?
Would Russia be mostly to blame for the crisis because Mr.
Yanukovych said something, but wouldnt move forward?
Why would the police start to get extremely violent if this would
only make things worse?