The Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych is not new to facing controversies. In 2004, as President he faced public outcry when he tried to steal Presidential elections. Once again he is facing angry Ukrainians because as the current President he signed a trade deal to align with Russia instead of much popular and widely expected trade and economic alliance with the European Union (EU). Protest erupted immediately all over the country and the capital Kiev has seen much of the protest activities. Some lives have been lost due to uprising and government operations have been disrupted. People are once again calling for the ouster of the President and signing an agreement with the EU. It appears that the turmoil is not just over the trade agreement but also represent much deeper political dissensions.
The EU is requiring judicial and economic reforms as a condition to join its trade and economic zone. Joining the EU would have allow the Ukraine to receive capital flows from EU and the International Monetary Fund, much needed employment opportunities for its citizens within the EU, reduce rampant corruptions, lessen its dependency on Russia for most economic aid, and host of other benefits.