Donbass War: Summer 2014

In 2014, the long-existing conflicts and contradictions between Ukraine’s west and east turned into civil strife and war. Initially a struggle for integration into the European Union, the Euromaidan movement veered towards outright nationalist ideas. The regime change in Kiev after the Maidan was seen in southeastern Ukraine as a coup. Thousands took part in protests in the southeastern regions. But what was deemed acceptable for the protesters in Kiev and the West was unforgivable for the people of southeastern Ukraine. The new authorities responded with force. In the spring of 2014, the ATO, an anti-terrorist operation, was announced.

Watch "Donbass War: Summer 2014" on RTD website.