1.

What are the three core factors that led to the chaos,
according to the article?
It began with a broken promise that was held between President Yanukovych
and his citizens. At first, he promised that he would integrate Ukraine with
the European Union, but he refused to sign the trade agreement that would
allow them to have connections. The next factor was the Cold War-era battle
between Russia and the West for influence over countries in Eastern Europe
that were still suffering from economic problems caused by the Soviet Union.
Finally, the third reason was because of the public outrage over the
governments extremely aggressive response to the street protests.
2. Why does Russia feel threatened by Ukraine forming a
closer partnership with Europe?
Russias Black Sea naval fleet is based in Ukraine, and crucial pipelines in
Ukraine carry natural gas to customers in Europe.
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 Ukrainians saw the agreements with the European Union as a large
symbolic push to improve their lives with much needed reforms economically
and judicially. It would would develop a close partnership with the Customs
Union and other regional organizations.
4. Why did street protests erupt in November 2013?
Russia gave the Ukraine $15 billion in loans and huge discount on natural
gas prices. Give the chaos in Kiev, it was a bold move by Russia. Thousands
of protesters were encamped in Independence Square, protesting their
governments failure to sign the agreements with Russia. They knew their
president would not be moving forward and were mad that they had been let
down by their own president.
5. What were some of the government missteps that helped
further fuel the protests?

Young protesters were beat by police which prompted demonstrators to seize

public buildings and occupy Independence Square. Also, new laws severely
restricted free speech and assembly.
6. What additional questions do you have about whats
going on in Ukraine?
What will it take for the Ukraine to join the European Union? Are they going
to follow in Russias footsteps and go away from democracy instead of
forward? Will there be another war similar to the Cold War, but between
Russia and the Ukraine? Can the Ukraine stop supplying their oil and gas to
Russia?