Russian media took advantage of that and used disinformation to cause more fear. Some people, especially in the Russian speaking region of Donbass, at the Eastern border, did not support the demonstrations, and were genuinely afraid of the escalation. However, as any capital, Kiev is not representative of the entire country. ![]() ![]() “ Glove employee riding his bike at the Sofiyivska Square in Kiev,” by Sorana Horsia, used under CC BY. Students, young professionals, retired people – today, pictures of their faces are all over the city. The protests lasted until the end of February, when the president fled the country. People started building barricades to protect themselves from the violence, while the government began passing laws restricting liberty of expression. The size of the protests grew and evolved into what is known as the Revolution of Dignity. By the end of November, the police started cracking down on the protesters at the Maidan square in Kiev. What started as a peaceful demonstration ended up in unimaginable violence. Initially, people went out in the streets to show their disapproval of the president’s choice. However, the pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych decided at the last minute to suspend it. In November 2013, it seemed like Ukraine was ready to distance itself from Russia, and sign an economic association agreement with the European Union. Ukraine gained its independence in 1991, in the aftermath of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. As with many countries transitioning from communism to democracy, it has struggled with economic instability and corrupt politicians, in addition to intense Russian influence. Nonetheless, the recent history of Kiev is anything but calm. ![]() “ A group of locals dancing to live music in the neighborhood Podil, in Kiev” by Sorana Horsia used under CC BY. The capital of Ukraine did not seem like a city on the verge of being invaded. Music coming from the street bands filled the streets of the neighborhood Podil, known for its hipster bars. Children were playing with their parents in the snow, some people were having coffee by the stands on the main street, others were strolling in the park, along the Dnieper river. Contrary to the image distilled from the international press, the city did not host a single demonstration and we could hardly notice any police officers (much less civilians carrying wooden training weapons preparing for a possible invasion). In appearance, Kiev could be any other metropolis. On February 5, the city welcomed us under an unshakeable blanket of snow. One cannot help but feel a sense of panic when reading the headlines published by international media about the situation in Eastern Europe. However, some chose to be more cautious than others: the United States and the United Kingdom already asked their diplomats and citizens to leave Ukraine. If that is to happen, most NATO members are ready for a military intervention. For the past month and a half, Russian troops have gathered at the border with Ukraine, raising concerns of a potential war. ![]() The same day American General Mark Milley declared publicly that the capital could be sieged within 72 hours if Russia decided to invade. – Man reading a book, surrounded by snow, at the Independence Square in Kiev, by Sorana Horsia, used un CC BY.Īs Emmanuel Macron arrived in Kiev to discuss the de-escalation of tensions between Ukraine and Russia, the residents of the capital are trying to get on with their lives.Įvery time we told locals that we came to Kiev for the weekend, they showed a mix of surprise and happiness.
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