The Ukrainian economy risks a default in the not-too-distant future, and ousted president Viktor Yanukovych actively lobbied both Russia and the European Union for a financial life jacket. Yanukovych's surprise November 2013 reversal on a pro-EU trade deal and a pivot towards Russian influence brought thousands to the streets in protest.

The demonstrations came to a boil in February 2014 when Yanukovych cracked down. The protesters resisted, then parliament moved to depose Yanukovych. The ousted leader has taken refuge in Russia.



The Crimean region has been annexed by Moscow after a March 16 referendum, and unrest is brewing in other eastern Ukrainian areas with a large population of Russia speakers.