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Maidan Nezalezhnosti

square, Kyiv, Ukraine

Quick Summary

Maidan Nezalezhnosti, or Independence Square, is a central square in Kyiv, Ukraine. It became the focal point of significant political events, most notably the Euromaidan movement in late 2013 and early 2014.

During this period, hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered in the square to demonstrate against President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to abandon an association agreement with the European Union in favor of closer ties with Russia. The protests escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. The events in Maidan Nezalezhnosti ultimately led to Yanukovych fleeing the country and the establishment of an interim government.12

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