The Significance of Pro-EU Demonstrations in Ukraine

In Ukraine, protesters continue to demonstrate Dec. 2 in favor of the country's EU integration, but the protests appear to be contained at the moment. Ukrainian parliament speaker Volodymyr Rybak said there is currently no need to declare a state of emergency. This follows large demonstrations throughout the weekend in Ukraine after the government's decision not to move forward with signing key agreements with the European Union at the Eastern Partnership summit as planned. The decision reflected the delicate balancing act between the European Union and Russia being pursued by Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich. While the protests have caused short-term political and security disruptions, they will have to be sustained and joined by broader segments of society in order to have a significant and lasting impact on Ukraine's foreign policy orientation like the Orange Revolution of 2004-2005.