In four months, the EuroMaidan Revolution went through a lot of disturbing, touching and tragic moments before succeeding on Feb. 22 in its aim of toppling President Viktor Yanukovych. Many moments are captured on online videos:
First attack. Early the morning of Nov. 30, Ukrainians were shocked by the Berkut riot police officers’ brutal raid on a peaceful rally of mostly students.
Storm night. Soon after that, Maidan survived a real disturbing night on Dec. 10 and the morning of Dec. 11, when police stormed the square. In the most tense moment, the bells of St. Michael’s Cathedral were heard at the square and emphasized the drama of the moment.
I am a Ukrainian. Ukrainians tried hard to explain the purpose of the protest to the world. This attempt by Yulia Marushevska was by far the most popular.
Okean Elzy concert. Tens of thousands of people gathered on Maidan Nezalezhnosti to listen to the free concert by the famous rock band Okean Elzy. The date, Dec. 14, will remain in Ukrainian history as a day when the national anthem was performed a capella by thousands of protesters holding flashlights in their hands.
The massacre. On Feb. 20, the confrontation between protesters and authorities reached its peak when snipers killed dozens of people and injured even more during the violent standoff.
Victims being mourned. On Feb. 22-23 Ukraine mourned what later was called the Heavenly Hundred – protesters who died from the snipers’ bullets on the Maidan Nezalezhnosti. The Kyiv main square and other streets have been overflowing with flowers and funeral candles since.
The most important words. Kyiv protester Volodymyr Parasyuk, 26, a leader of one of EuroMaidan’s self-defense units, has become a hailed hero after he unexpectedly delivered an ultimatum to Yanukovych to leave office. Yanukovych fled Kyiv the next day and was impeached by the parliament shortly afterwards. The video of the ultimatum is available with English subtitles.
Dictator’s escape. When Yanukovych was fleeing Kyiv in late February, the surveillance cameras recorded his escape. Yanukovych is seen leaving Mezhyhirya, his luxurious palace just north of Kyiv, grabbing some of the treasures he owned with him.
Kyiv Post staff writer Nataliya Trach can be reached at [email protected]
