Why is Viktor Yanukovych of Ukraine on trial for treason?
The former president refuses to leave Russia, but his country is determined to see justice done
The trial of Ukraine's former president Viktor Yanukovych for alleged treason was supposed to bring closure to a nation struggling with its blood-stained past. Instead, it may bring further despair.
Who is Viktor Yanukovych?
Russian-speaking Yanukovych began his political career as a transport executive in the Soviet Union's coal-mining industry before becoming the governor of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine - now a "war zone" controlled by pro-Russian separatists, says Business Insider.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
He became prime minister in 2002 and stood for the presidency in 2004, but his victory was declared "fraudulent", reports the BBC, and he had to wait until 2010 to claim his prize.
Four years later, however, he was ousted from power and now lives in Russia under self-imposed exile
What led to his downfall?
In 2013, Ukraine was on the verge of signing a deal to deepen trade ties with the EU. Instead, Yanukovych struck an agreement with Vladimir Putin for a Russian bailout, negotiating $15bn in debt relief and a reduction in the price of Russian-supplied gas, reports The Guardian.
Student protests were organised to force the president to sign the EU agreement, leading to the "Maidan massacre" on 20 February 2014, when more than 50 protesters were shot dead by armed riot police in Kiev's Maidan square.
Nevertheless, the so-called "Revolution of Honour" overthrew the government and sparked a counter-revolution in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, while Yanukovych fled to Russia with the assistance of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Seizing upon Ukraine's instability, Putin moved to annex the former Soviet territory Crimea. The Kremlin is also believed to have lent support to pro-separatist forces in eastern Ukraine.
What is Yanukovych accused of?
Yanukovych faces charges of "encroaching on the territorial integrity of Ukraine… high treason… and waging aggressive military actions", reports the Kyiv Post.
According to German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, this refers to the accusation the former president "aided Russia in carrying out an attack on his country."
Specifically, he is accused of "invoking the help of Russia to suppress the [2014] protest against him and his pro-Russian policies", says Newsweek, with Deutsche Welle reporting that prosecutors have letters from Yanukovych to Putin asking for Russian troops to be sent to Ukraine.
In addition, Yanukovych also faces separate accusations of corruption and embezzlement, reports The Economist.
What is his position?
Yanukovych initially denied the existence of formal charges and then refused to participate in the trial, arguing the charges are politically motivated and that Western intelligence agencies plotted to overthrow him.
“It’s not a court, but a sham, pure and simple", he said, claiming "the outcome [had been] determined in advance".
What bearing will the case have?
The resumption of the treason trial today, following several adjournments, "promises to be a damp squib", writes Jonathan Eyal of the Strait Times. "Most Ukrainians are concerned with the drudgery of their daily existence, rather than raking over past events."
Those hoping to see their former leader in the dock will also be disappointed. The 67-year-old politician refuses to attend court in Kiev and will be tried in absentia.
"It is unlikely that Mr Yanukovych will ever be extradited from Russia even if he is convicted, which itself is hardly guaranteed", says the Economist.
Nevertheless, commentators regard the event as an important symbolic exercise, while Kiev "hopes that a guilty verdict will pile more diplomatic pressure on Moscow [regarding] its backing of the three-year insurgency in eastern Ukraine", the Arab News says.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'Making a police state out of the liberal university'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
8 looming climate tipping points that imperil our planet
The Explainer New reports detail the thresholds we may be close to crossing
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Try 6 free issues of The Week Junior
Spark your child's curiosity with The Week Junior - the award-winning current affairs magazine for 8-14s.
By The Week Published
-
Aid to Ukraine: too little, too late?
Talking Point House of Representatives finally 'met the moment' but some say it came too late
By The Week UK Published
-
How would we know if World War Three had started?
Today's Big Question With conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, the 'spark' that could ignite all-out war 'already exists'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Iran attack hinder support for Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Pro-Kyiv allies cry 'hypocrisy' and 'double standards' even as the US readies new support package
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
The issue of women and conscription
Under the radar Ukraine military adviser hints at widening draft to women, as other countries weigh defence options amid global insecurity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Why is Ukraine backing far-right militias in Russia?
Today's Big Question The role of the fighters is a 'double-edged sword' for Kyiv, say commentators
By The Week UK Published
-
Ukraine's unconventional approach to reconstruction
Under the radar Digitally savvy nation uses popular app to file compensation claims, access funds and rebuild destroyed homes
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
What does victory now look like for Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Not losing is as important as winning as the tide turns in Russia's favour again
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Where has the Wagner Group gone?
Today's Big Question Kremlin takes control of Russian mercenaries after aborted mutiny and death of leadership
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published