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Ukraine in maps: How the crisis spread Ukraine crisis in maps
(4 months later)
The crisis in Ukraine began in November last year when pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych abandoned a deal with the EU in favour of stronger ties with Russia. The crisis in Ukraine began in November 2013 when pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych's government abandoned a deal with the European Union in favour of stronger ties with Russia.
Protests erupted in the capital Kiev and quickly escalated as government buildings were seized in cities across the western regions of Ukraine. Ukraine has been torn between east and west since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Ukrainian is the main language in western regions - where there is also a long-standing aspiration for integration with Europe. However, Russian is predominant in parts of the east and south.
Protests in western Ukraine, January 2014 2013 protests
On 20 February at least 88 people were killed in 48 hours in Kiev. Outraged by the move towards Moscow, anti-government demonstrations take place in Kiev with an estimated 100,000 on the streets. By December, some 800,000 people rally in the capital and protesters occupy city hall and Independence Square.
Ukraine has been torn between east and west since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. While Ukrainian is the main language in western regions, Russian is predominant in parts of the east and south. Protests spread
The division is also reflected in voting patterns. Mr Yanukovych received most support in the southern and eastern regions of Ukraine in the 2010 election. In mid-January, parliament passes restrictive anti-protest laws as clashes turn deadly. Anti-Yanukovych protesters begin storming regional government offices in other parts of western Ukraine.
Protests spread south to Crimea On 20 February, 2014, bloodshed reaches its worst since the start of the crisis. At least 88 people are killed in 48 hours in Kiev and hundreds wounded in clashes between protesters and police, including many shot by uniformed snipers. President Yanukovych disappears and protesters take control of government buildings.
On 27-28 February pro-Russian gunmen seized key buildings in the Crimean capital, Simferopol. Parliament votes to remove the president from power, with elections set for 25 May. The elite Berkut police unit, blamed for deaths of protesters, is disbanded. Parliament also votes to ban Russian as the second official language, triggering a wave of anger in Russian-speaking regions - although the vote is later overturned.
Within days parliament voted to join Russia and called a referendum. Crimea
Russia later admitted that its military had helped the Crimea insurgents. On 27-28 February, pro-Russian gunmen seize key buildings in the Crimean capital, Simferopol. The majority of Crimea's 2.3 million population identify themselves as ethnic Russians and speak Russian - a legacy of Russia's 200-year involvement in the region. Sevastopol in Crimea is also the historic base of Russia's Black Sea Fleet.
The majority of Crimea's 2.3 million population identify themselves as ethnic Russians and speak Russian - a legacy of Russia's 200-year involvement in the region. Within days, the Crimean parliament votes to join Russia and calls a referendum. Russia later admits that its military helped the Crimea insurgents.
Russia's Black Sea Fleet also has its historic base in the Crimean coastal city of Sevastopol. On 16 March, 97% of referendum voters reportedly back the proposal to join Russia. The figure is later disputed, with leaked documents showing only 50-60% support for the move.
On 16 March, 97% of voters reportedly backed the proposal to join Russia. That figure was later disputed, with leaked documents showing only 50-60% support for the move. The EU and US condemn the annexation of Crimea and impose a first round of sanctions on Russian officials and high-ranking Moscow allies in Ukraine.
The EU and US condemned the annexation of Crimea and imposed a first round of sanctions on Russian officials and high-ranking Moscow allies in Ukraine.
Trouble spreads eastTrouble spreads east
Pro-Russian sentiment is strong in eastern regions such as Donetsk and Luhansk, Ukraine's industrial heartland. After the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Crimea, there were reports of large numbers of Russian troops gathering just over the border. After Ukrainian troops withdraw from Crimea, there are reports of many Russian troops gathering in border areas adjacent to the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, Ukraine's industrial heartland.
On 7 April protesters occupied government buildings in the eastern cities of Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv. On 7 April, protesters occupy government buildings in the eastern cities of Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv.
Although Kharkiv was retaken the following day, the occupations spread to other cities, and a number of pro-Russian leaders declared that referendums on granting greater autonomy to eastern regions would be held. Although Kharkiv is retaken the following day, the occupations spread to other cities, and a number of pro-Russian leaders declare that referendums on granting greater autonomy to eastern regions will be held.
Towns targeted by separatists, April 2014Towns targeted by separatists, April 2014
Eastern referendum Eastern referendums
On 11 May pro-Russian separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk declared independence after the referendums, which were not recognised by Kiev or the West. On 11 May pro-Russian separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk declare independence as "people's republics" after the referendums, which were not recognised by Kiev or the West.
A build-up of Russian troops on the shared border in April sparked concern that another annexation could take place. A build-up of Russian troops on the shared border in April sparks concern that another annexation could take place.
Presidential electionPresidential election
Elections for a new president in Ukraine were held on 25 May resulting in confectionery tycoon Petro Poroshenko being elected with over 55% of the vote, although no polling stations were open in Donetsk city and several other locations. Elections for a new president in Ukraine are held on 25 May, resulting in confectionery tycoon Petro Poroshenko being elected with more than 55% of the vote, although no polling stations were open in Donetsk city and several other locations.
On 20 June President Poroshenko announced a 15-point peace plan and declared a week-long truce. It held for a few days until a military helicopter was shot down over eastern Ukraine. On 20 June, President Poroshenko announces a 15-point peace plan and declares a week-long truce. It holds for a few days until a military helicopter is shot down over eastern Ukraine.
With a government offensive launched once more, on 5 July rebels abandoned strongholds in the north of Donetsk region, withdrawing to a smaller area of insurgency in the south. With a government offensive launched once more, on 5 July rebels abandon strongholds in the north of Donetsk region, withdrawing to a smaller area of insurgency in the south.
Malaysia Airlines tragedy, 17 July 2014Malaysia Airlines tragedy, 17 July 2014
On 17 July Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 from Amsterdam was shot down near the village of Grabove in rebel-held territory close to the border with Russia. On 17 July Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 from Amsterdam is shot down near the village of Grabove, in rebel-held territory close to the border with Russia.
Almost 300 people were killed in the crash - everybody aboard the airliner. Western nations blamed a Russian-supplied missile, believed to have been fired by rebels. The crash kills 298 people - everybody aboard the airliner. The Netherlands has the biggest death toll (196), then Malaysia (42) and Australia (27). Western nations blame a Russian-supplied missile, believed to have been fired by rebels.
Russia denied it had armed the rebels and argued instead that a Ukrainian fighter jet had flown near the airliner at the time. Russia denies it had armed the rebels and argues instead that a Ukrainian fighter jet had flown near the airliner at the time.
Ukraine insists Russian regular forces are involved in the fighting in Ukraine. It has also accused the Russian authorities of allowing well-trained volunteers and heavy weapons to cross the border to help the rebels. Russia dismissed those accusations, yet the rebel leader in Donetsk said many Russian soldiers had joined the rebel cause. Ukraine insists Russian regular forces are involved in the fighting in Ukraine. It also accuses the Russian authorities of allowing well-trained volunteers and heavy weapons to cross the border to help the rebels. Russia dismisses those accusations, yet the rebel leader in Donetsk says many Russian soldiers have joined the rebel cause.
New frontNew front
Ukrainian forces made gains in some areas previously held by the rebels. But on 27 August the rebels - allegedly backed by Russian heavy armour - opened up a new front on the coast, seizing the town of Novoazovsk and threatening the strategic port city of Mariupol. Ukrainian forces make gains in some areas previously held by the rebels. But on 27 August the rebels - allegedly backed by Russian heavy armour - open up a new front on the coast, seizing the town of Novoazovsk and threatening the strategic port city of Mariupol.
CeasefireCeasefire
A ceasefire was agreed on 5 September between Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels in the east. It almost collapsed just four days later when fighting erupted around Donetsk airport. A ceasefire is agreed on 5 September between Ukraine and the pro-Russian rebels in the east. Signed in Minsk, Belarus, it is violated just four days later when fierce fighting erupts around Donetsk airport.
The battle for the airport has continued with the Ukrainians remaining in control, although the airport is now so badly damaged it can no longer handle flights. The battle for the airport continues with the Ukrainians remaining in control, although it is now so badly damaged that it is closed to flights.
Elsewhere in the east there have been repeated violations of the truce. Elsewhere in the east there are repeated violations of the truce. By 19 September, the rebels control a stretch along the Russian border to the coast.
Nato announced on 4 September it was setting up a rapid reaction force in response to Russia's actions over Ukraine.
Fresh electionsFresh elections
On 26 October Ukrainians voted for a new parliament. Pro-West parties triumphed but the polls were boycotted in the rebel-held east - which went on to hold its own elections on 2 November. On 26 October Ukrainians vote for a new parliament. Pro-West parties triumph but the polls are boycotted in the rebel-held east - which goes on to hold its own elections on 2 November.
Two pro-Russian leaders were declared the winners - but President Petro Poroshenko immediately threatened to scrap a law - agreed under the 5 September truce - which gave special status to Donetsk and Luhansk. Two pro-Russian leaders are declared the winners - but President Petro Poroshenko immediately threatens to scrap a law (agreed under the 5 September truce) which gave special status to Donetsk and Luhansk.
Ukraine's economic ties Donetsk airport falls
The EU and US have imposed a series of asset freezes and travel bans on many senior Russian officials and separatist leaders. In January 2015, fighting between the army and the rebels intensifies in and around Donetsk, as well as in Luhansk region. Both sides seem to be battling for new ground, keen to strengthen their negotiating positions ahead of any "peace summit".
But at least six Russian companies, including the state oil giant Rosneft and two of the country's biggest banks, have now filed complaints against the sanctions at the European Court. On 22 January, Ukrainian forces withdraw from Donetsk airport's main terminal, after weeks of bitter fighting. The airport is strategically important. Government forces had been able to shell rebel positions inside nearby Donetsk - the largest city held by the militants.
Ukraine imports much of its gas and oil from Russia. About a quarter of Europe's gas also comes from Russia. There are fears its capture could help the rebels to resupply - allowing munitions, hardware and manpower to be airlifted into the conflict zone. But drone images of the airport taken in January show how devastated the terminal building is.
In October, Ukraine, Russia and the EU signed a deal for Moscow to resume vital gas supplies - cut off since June - in return for Kiev settling its debts, with the EU acting as guarantor. The rebels continue their offensive in February.
The EU has also agreed to postpone the implementation of a free trade deal with Ukraine until January 2016, which is being seen as a concession to Russia. The fiercest fighting is near the town of Debaltseve, where the rebels are trying to surround Ukrainian troops. The town is a crucial rail hub linking Donetsk and Luhansk.
Ukraine is still heavily in debt. A rescue package offered by Russia earlier in the year was cancelled after the protesters forced out Mr Yanukovych. February diplomatic push
The International Monetary Fund approved a $17.1 bn (£10.1 bn) bailout for Ukraine in April. With funds from other donors, including the EU, the total package will be worth £32.1bn. As clashes continue there is a renewed diplomatic push to end the fighting. Meanwhile, a truce allows civilians to leave Debaltseve.
But the loan was dependent on strict economic reforms, including raising taxes and energy prices. On 12 February - after marathon talks in the Belarus capital, Minsk, an agreement is reached to end the fighting. The leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France announce that a ceasefire will begin on 15 February. The deal also includes weapon withdrawals and prisoner exchanges, but key issues remain to be settled.
In September the IMF warned the Ukraine could need a further $19bn in emergency funding if there was no resolution to the conflict. The pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine also sign the agreement which includes a buffer zone for heavy weapons, with a minimum of 50km (30 miles) between rival forces' artillery (140km for rockets).
Withdrawal from Debaltseve
Despite the ceasefire, heavy fighting continues around Debaltseve with rebel forces pressing to capture the strategically important road and rail hub, to join up territory held in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
On 18 February, President Poroshenko announces that 80% of Ukrainian forces have pulled back from the town towards Artemivsk.
Eyewitnesses report dozens of tanks and columns of weary troops retreating, while a Russian TV station shows footage of what it says is a rebel flag being raised on a high-rise building in the town.