Peace Building Commission

Haganum Model United Nations Gymnasium Haganum, The Hague Research Reports Peace Building Commission The Question of the conflict between the Ukrainian government and separatists in Ukraine 4 th, 5 th and 6 th of March 2016

Haganum Model United Nations 2016 4th of March 6th of March 2016 Forum: Peace Building Commission Issue: The Question of the conflict between the Ukrainian government and separatists in Ukraine Student Officer: Addison Baker Position: Deputy Chair Introduction In today s modern world, international relations are often plagued by conflict. In 2015 alone there have been conflicts of many varieties including ideological, ethnic, religious, nationalist and so on. Examples of specific instances of conflict that happened in 2015 are the Paris attacks (first in January at the Charlie Hebdo, followed by the bombings and shootings in October), the Syria crisis (also known as the refugee crisis, or immigration crisis; more than half of the Syrian pre-war population has either been killed or forced to migrate to surrounding countries), and the Ukrainian crisis (which although it started in 2013, is still continuing today as the pro-russian Ukrainian population is revolting against the Ukrainian government). 1 As was mentioned as one of the examples of international conflict, the question of the Ukrainian crisis is one of the most complicated in today s world. It is the question of the conflict between the Ukrainian government and Ukrainian separatists; separatists meaning the pro-russian Ukrainian population. This is obviously a conflict of nationalism, as well as ideology. Due to the prolonging of preparations for international cooperation by Ukrainian officials, uprisings began in the Russian-speaking areas of Ukraine. This ultimately led to Russian intervention and invasion without consent. With a sense of support, the Ukrainian separatists now possess a sense of security in their Russian nationalism, and thus a conflict began between the Ukrainian government and Ukrainian separatists. 2 1 Curran, John. "Russian-Ukrainian Conflict Explained." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/johncurran2/russian-ukrainian-conflict-explained_b_4909192.html>. 2 "Ukraine Crisis." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. 2 Research Reports

Haganum Model United Nations 2016 4th of March 6th of March 2016 This issue is one with no obvious resolve. However, it is indeed a pressing issue. Lives are being lost and it has grown to an issue of international peril. The handicapping of Ukrainian mobility in policies has an effect on international trade, relations and most importantly international Peace. Definition of Key Terms Crisis This term refers to a time of intense trouble, difficulty or danger, often in the Political sense or in relation to civilians. In relation to the issue of the Ukrainian separatists and the Ukrainian government, the term crisis is important because it outlines the turmoil and state in which Ukraine has been put in. Ukrainian Seperatists A separatist is a person who advocates separation from a larger group or majority. Specifically Ukrainian separatists are pro-russian or anti-government groups of people who rebel against the Ukrainian legal and political system. Crimea The Crimean Peninsula, usually known as Crimea, the peninsula in south-eastern Ukraine, between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov; previously an autonomous republic of the Soviet Union, now a region of Ukraine. Nationalism This term refers to a state or mind-set of devotion or obedience to one s country of origin; patriotism. In relation to the issue of Ukrainian separatists, a sort of civil divide has been created in which the separatists feel a sense of nationalism for their Russian heritage and thus regard the Russian government as more valid than the Ukrainian one. Euromaidan 3 Research Reports

Haganum Model United Nations 2016 4th of March 6th of March 2016 Euro Square, translated from Russian. A wave of demonstrations and civil unrest that began in the Ukraine in November 2013, demanding more European Integration on the part of the Ukrainian government 3 Annexation Append or add as an extra part, usually about territory. To add or claim a territory as an extra or new party of another country s territory. February 2014 Revolution The result of Euromaidan, the removal of president Yanukovych and his government (Ukraine Crisis). Donbass The two regions Donetsk and Luhansk together form the Donbass, where the pro- Russian demonstrations starting in March 2014 occurred. 4 Autonomous A country in a state of self-governance or independence. Background Information General overview of Ukrainian crisis What we now refer to as the Ukrainian crisis began on the 21 st of November 2013 when the president at the time, Viktor Yanukovych, made the decision to postpone motions to prepare for the implication of an association agreement with the European Union. This agreement is known as the Ukraine-European Union Association Agreement and is a treaty between the European Union, its 28 member states and Ukraine. The parties agreed to cooperate on basis of economic policy, legislation and regulation on several ideologies. However, when the Ukrainian president ratified this treaty, yet failed to implement it, a series 3 "Ukraine Crisis." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. 4 "Ukraine Crisis." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. 4 Research Reports

Haganum Model United Nations 2016 4th of March 6th of March 2016 of uprisings in certain regions of Ukraine began. These protests came to be known as the Euromaidan. After several months of protest, in February of 2014 the president Yanukovych of Ukraine was forced out of the governmental seat of power, and fled Kiev 5. Following his abdication and fleeing, unrest broke out in the Russian speaking or Russo-phone regions of Ukraine, more specifically the southern and eastern regions of Ukraine. These regions are where the president drew most of his power and support. This was followed by an invasion of the Ukrainian autonomous region of Crimea by Russian troops. 6 The Begin of Armed Conflict To elaborate, starting in February of 2014, armed pro-russian men began to protest across the peninsula known as Crimea. Initially, Russia claimed that these armed men were independent self-defence forces who were operating freely from Russian Military. However, soon they confirmed that these men were indeed Russian soldiers, without insignias and this proved Russian invasion/military presence in Ukraine. By the end of February, Russian forces had taken over the government buildings in Crimea and flew Russian flags over the building. A self-declared pro-russian government in Crimea then claimed that it would hold a referendum to determine independence from Ukraine. Following this unrecognized referendum, Russian annexed Crimea on March 18 th 7. Following the March occurrences, all matters of unrest and protests took place in the Donbass. The demonstrations followed the annexation of Crimea by Russia, and were included in other pro-russian protests in other areas of Ukraine. They progressed into armed conflict between the separatist forces of the autonomous Donetsk and Luhansk People s 5 "Ukraine Conflict: Why Is East Hit by Conflict? - BBC News." BBC News. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28969784>. 6 "Ukraine Crisis." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. 7 "Ukraine Crisis." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. 5 Research Reports

Haganum Model United Nations 2016 4th of March 6th of March 2016 Republic (DPR and LPR) and the Ukrainian Government. Russian citizens mostly led the separatists, and they took up 15% to 80% of all combatants. 8 From the 22 nd to the 25 th of August, Russian military crossed the border into Ukraine without the consent or knowledge of the Ukrainian government. This followed the shelling of Ukrainian positions, fired from the Russian border. An agreement to implement a ceasefire, known as the Minsk Protocol, was signed in September of 2014. Many violations of this agreement occurred, and completely lapsed in January 2015. Minsk II, a second ceasefire was ratified on the 12 th of February 2015. 9 Summary of Ukrainian Crisis Outbreak The crisis has been detrimental on both a domestic and international level. According to the World Bank, the Ukrainian economy contracted 8% during 2014. Economic sanctions placed on Russia resulted in the Russian financial crisis. 10 Maps of the Ukrainian Crisis 8 "Ukraine Crisis." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. 9 "Ukraine Crisis." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. 10 "Ukraine Crisis." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. 6 Research Reports

Haganum Model United Nations 2016 4th of March 6th of March 2016 Map of the Ukraine (above): http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27308526 Map of Crimea (above): http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27308526 Map of towns targeted by seperatists (above): http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe- 27308526 7 Research Reports

Haganum Model United Nations 2016 4th of March 6th of March 2016 Map of MH17 Crash location (above): http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-27308526 Interactive map (online): http://liveuamap.com/en/2016/1-february-in-zaporizhye-honoredthe-memory-of-chechen-commander Major Countries and Organizations Involved Ukraine Ukraine is obviously heavily involved in the issue of the Ukrainian government and Ukrainian separatists, seeing that both geographically and politically, they are the epicentre of the issue at hand. It was Ukrainian territory, which was invaded by Russian forces, as well as the Ukrainian government that has faced revolutions and uprisings 11. United States of America The United States of America has openly spoken against the actions of Russia in invading Crimea. President Obama released a statement in February, which warned the Russian government not to invade Crimea, as it would clearly be a violation of international law as well as international sovereignty. In March, president Obama signed Executive Order 13660, 11 "Ukraine Crisis." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. 8 Research Reports

Haganum Model United Nations 2016 4th of March 6th of March 2016 Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Ukraine; which authorized sanctions on any persons who impeach Ukraine s national sovereignty 12 Russian Federation The Russian Federation, as is the case with the Ukraine, plays a primary role in the issue of Ukrainian government and Ukrainian separatists; the Russian Federation was the nation, which invaded the Crimea. However, it are Ukrainian citizens, whom are pro-russian who began the uprisings in 2013. 13 European Union The European Union, as is the case with the United States of America, placed sanctions on Russian in July of 2014. This was due to the impeachment on Ukrainian national sovereignty; similar to the case of the United States of America as they worked in collaboration. Timeline of Events Date November 21, 2013 Description of event President Yanukovych fails to abide by a treaty aiming to create closer ties with the European Union, and seeks closer ties with Russia instead. Late November 100,000 people attend a demonstration in Kiev. Early December January 16, 2014 January 28, 2014 February 18, 2014 Kiev City Hall is occupied by protesters, 800,000 participate in Euromaidan. Ukrainian Parliament implements anti-protest laws, protesters storm government buildings in west Ukraine. Parliament annuls anti-protest laws. Protests begin again, 18 people are killed. 12 "Ukraine Crisis." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. 13 "Ukraine Crisis." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. 9 Research Reports

Haganum Model United Nations 2016 4th of March 6th of March 2016 February 20, 2014 February 21, 2014 February 22, 2014 February 23, 2014 February 27, 2014 March 1, 2014 March 16, 2014 March 18, 2014 March 28, 2014 April 7, 2014 May 11, 2014 July 17, 2014 July 30, 2014 Protests continue in Kiev, 88 killed in 2 days. President Yanukovych signs a deal with the opposition forces. President Yanukovych flees, protesters claim government buildings, President appears on television to discuss coup. Parliament bans Russian as second language of Ukraine, and uproars begin in Russo-phone regions, arrest warrant is issued for President Yanukovych. Pro-Russian activists take buildings in Crimean capital, unidentified men with guns appear in Crimea. Russia s parliament approves Russian intervention in Ukraine. Referendum on joining Russia is 97% in favour, but is condemned by government officials and public as a sham. President Putin signs a bill to take Crimea. President Obama urges Moscow to cease tensions. Protesters occupy government buildings in Donbass. Pro-Russian Ukrainians in Donbass declare independence after referendums. Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 shot down near the village of Grabove by which 298 people are killed. USA and EU place sanctions on Russia. 14 14 "Ukraine Crisis: Timeline - BBC News." BBC News. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26248275>. 1 0 Research Reports

Haganum Model United Nations 2016 4th of March 6th of March 2016 Relevant UN Treaties and Events As far as UN involvement goes, there has been limited action. Please find below a list of the relevant UN resolutions or letters pertaining to the issue of the Ukraine Crisis: S/RES/2202 From the 17 February 2015, outlines procedures of the Minsk Agreement S/RES/2166 From the 21 July 2014, condemned the crash of the MH17 flight and called for an investigation of the crash. 15 Previous Attempts to solve the Issue In the past, there have been few attempts to solve the Ukrainian crisis. The main attempt to solve the crisis has already be outlined, the Minsk Agreements I and II. These failed due to lack of international collaboration as well as willingness on the part of Russia. However, all other attempts to resolve the issue have been on a military basis, as well as political speeches on whether nations agree with the actions taken by the Ukrainian government and Russian Government or not. Another attempt to solve the issue has been the sanctions placed on Russia by the United States of America as well as the European Union. Although the direct aim of these sanctions was not to eradicate the issue, hwoever simply to uphold the document signed by the President of the United States in March 2014. This document was Executive Order 13660, Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Ukraine, which said that an nation to threat the sovereignity of Ukraine is approved to be sanctioned. There have been two Security Council resolutions on the topic, which have been listed above. 16 Possible Solutions 15 "UN Documents for Ukraine." UN Documents for Ukraine. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. <http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/un-documents/ukraine/>. 16 Council on Foreign Relations. Council on Foreign Relations, n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. <http://www.cfr.org/ukraine/ukraine-crisis/p32540>. 1 1 Research Reports

Haganum Model United Nations 2016 4th of March 6th of March 2016 Although this is a very complicated and deep issue, there are means, which can be taken to begin the small migration towards peace. This is not an issue which can be solved in a single resolution, however what can be aimed to be accomplished is a state of compromise. This could be done, for example, through means of a summit between separatists and Ukrainian officials. Perhaps a gate could be implemented to create a divide between the Crimea and the main land Ukraine, so as to give the pro-russian sector a sense of independency. Another possibility is to make an agreement with Russia to allow immigration of pro-russian separatists without complication so as to please the population. In extreme cases, it could be suggested to create a referendum or a new province of Ukraine for the pro-russian population. This could be done by holding a conference, or creating a new summit every other month or on another regular interval, which allows Ukrainian and Russian officials to discuss the state of unrest as well as peace and to discuss what could be done and what they want in reference to political gains. This could be moderated by a neutral party and then a state of compromise could be decided upon by the moderator as well as other moderators deemed neutral. These moderators would be deemed neutral by the United Nations based on their trade unions and locations in relation to Ukrain and Russia, neutral because of the lack of relevance of said issue to their respective nations. 17. Bibliography Council on Foreign Relations. Council on Foreign Relations, n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. <http://www.cfr.org/ukraine/ukraine-crisis/p32540>. Curran, John. "Russian-Ukrainian Conflict Explained." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/johncurran2/russian-ukrainian-conflict-explained_b_4909192.html>. Stylianides, Christos. "Ukraine Crisis Needs a Political Solution to Reinforce EU Aid Efforts." The Guardian. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.theguardian.com/globaldevelopment/2015/jul/09/ukraine-crisis-eu-aid-political-solution-christos-stylianides>. 17 Stylianides, Christos. "Ukraine Crisis Needs a Political Solution to Reinforce EU Aid Efforts." The Guardian. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.theguardian.com/globaldevelopment/2015/jul/09/ukraine-crisis-eu-aid-political-solution-christos-stylianides>. 1 2 Research Reports

Haganum Model United Nations 2016 4th of March 6th of March 2016 "Ukraine Conflict: Why Is East Hit by Conflict? - BBC News." BBC News. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28969784>. "Ukraine Crisis: Timeline - BBC News." BBC News. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. <http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26248275>. "Ukraine Crisis." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. "UN Documents for Ukraine." UN Documents for Ukraine. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Jan. 2016. <http://www.securitycouncilreport.org/un-documents/ukraine/>. 1 3 Research Reports