What Contributed to the Collapse of the Ukrainian State in Luhansk and Donetsk ?

What is it about?

This essay focuses on mobilization against the government in the southern and eastern cities of Ukraine. The author looked at key factors that led to the violent uprising in the Donbas region in Ukraine. He also analyzed the collapse of the Ukrainian state in Luhansk and Donetsk. He argued that the protests in the Donbas was the product of several complex factors. These factors included an unstable political and cultural profile, a lack of cohesion in the interim government, and a lack of security within the Donbas region.

Featured Image

Photo by Nathan Bieneman on Unsplash

Photo by Nathan Bieneman on Unsplash

Why is it important?

After the Euromaidan Revolution in February 2014, many southern and eastern Ukrainian cities experienced protests. These protests became known as the Russian Spring. Many of the protests in the country remained stable. But in Donetsk and Luhansk, they escalated into a full-blown war. This destroyed the Ukrainian state institutions. Two contrasting narratives have dominated the discussion around the origins of the Russian Spring. On the one hand, domestic sources are said to be the spark. These include the area's unique ethnic and cultural aspects. On the other, destabilization strategies implemented by the Russian state are said to be the cause. These opposing views are largely the product of a foundational knowledge gap. Empirical research on these protest movements is missing in these debates. More importantly, the role of the various stakeholders in this event has not been thoroughly analyzed. These stakeholders include those in positions of power in Ukraine and Russia, Western governments, and the various groups that have taken a stand in the Ukraine-Russia issue, whether they are pro-Russia, or pro-Ukraine. KEY TAKEAWAY: This essay takes a closer look at the developments in southern and eastern Ukraine that led to the Russian Spring. It aims to contribute to research linking the Russian Spring with the armed protest in the Donbas region of Ukraine. The author analyzes the reasons for protests in Ukraine, as well as the role of the various people and groups that played a part in these protests and determining their outcome.