Lessons 5 · 1 lessons · Sh. Ergashev, B. Xodjayev, J. Abdullayev. World History (1991–2017): textbook for Grade 11 of secondary schools and for students of secondary specialised and vocational institutions. 1st edition. “Turon-Iqbol”, Tashkent, 2018
5
Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, 1991–2017
Textbook: pp. 23–28
GoalDescribe in a neutral way the political and economic paths of Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova since independence, and the events after 2014 and 2022.
New words
Euromaidan, the protests in Kyiv in 2013–2014 · Yevromaydonthe Minsk agreements of 2014–2015 meant to bring a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine · Minsk kelishuvlariTransnistria, a breakaway strip of eastern Moldova · Dnestrbo‘yithe Union State, the framework of closer ties between Russia and Belarus · Ittifoq davlati
Explanation
Ukraine declared independence on 24 August 1991, and in the referendum of 1 December a large majority supported it. In the Budapest Memorandum of 1994 Ukraine gave up the Soviet nuclear weapons on its territory, and the United States, the United Kingdom and Russia gave security assurances in return. The “Orange Revolution” of 2004 and the “Euromaidan” of 2013–2014 were large mass movements; in 2014 Crimea became part of Russia (Russia bases this on a referendum, while Ukraine and many states call it annexation) and armed conflict began in Donbas. On 24 February 2022 Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine (Moscow calls it a “special military operation”); in March 2022 the UN General Assembly deplored Russia’s aggression and demanded the withdrawal of its troops, and many millions of people became refugees. In Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko has been president since 1994; the opposition and many states did not recognize the 2020 election results, and close ties with Russia continue within the Union State. Moldova became independent on 27 August 1991, the Transnistria question remains unsettled, and in 2022 Moldova received EU candidate status together with Ukraine.
Worked examples
The Budapest Memorandum (1994): Ukraine joined the Non-Proliferation Treaty and handed over the nuclear warheads on its territory to Russia; the United States, the United Kingdom and Russia promised to respect its borders and independence.
Transnistria: in 1990–1992 a separatist movement grew in the territory on the east bank of the Dniester, there was armed fighting in spring and summer 1992 and a ceasefire was set in summer. The territory is still unrecognized by most states and its status has not been settled in negotiations.
Class activity
In groups of three find Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova on the map, write their capitals and neighbours, then choose one “key date” for each state and explain why it matters.
Practice
1
When did Ukraine declare independence and what happened in December 1991?
On 24 August 1991; in the referendum of 1 December most people voted for independence and the first president was elected.
2
Why and when were the Minsk agreements signed?
To stop the armed conflict in Donbas, in September 2014 and February 2015; fighting nevertheless continued.
3
State the main difference in how Belarus and Ukraine relate to Russia.
Belarus has moved closer to Russia within the Union State; Ukraine after 2014 turned towards the EU and NATO and came into conflict with Russia.
4
Why is Moldova economically one of Europe’s poorer states?
It has few mineral resources, its economy relies on agriculture and its market is small; many citizens work abroad and their remittances are a large part of the economy.