Ukraine's Orange Revolution and Foreign Policy of U.S.

Abstract

Following the 2004 presidential elections in Ukraine, people took streets in what is to be known as the Orange Revolution. The non-violent series of protests ensured fair and transparent elections and the transition of power from Leonid Kuchma to Viktor Yushchenko. The events that preceded the Orange Revolution and the protests themselves came under the international spotlight, setting an example of a nation that pursues democratic trajectory. This paper looks into the Orange Revolution with a particular emphasis on the U.S.’ relations with Ukraine throughout that period.

Following the 2004 presidential elections in Ukraine, people tookstreets in what is to be known as the Orange Revolution. The non-violent seriesof protests ensured fair and transparent elections and the transition of powerfrom Leonid Kuchma to Viktor Yushchenko. The events that preceded the OrangeRevolution and the protests themselves came under the international spotlight, setting an example of a nation that pursues democratic trajectory. This paperlooks into the international reactions to the Revolution with a particularemphasis on the U.S., the EU’s relations with Ukraine throughout that period.