The events of the Revolution of Dignity and the peculiarities of the unfolding of
Russian aggression against Ukraine are relevant and require detailed analysis and
consideration in the context of nation-building, especially in the context of the current
Russian-Ukrainian war. In Zaporizhzhia region, pro-European and pro-Russian events
took place on a large scale, but often chaotically, without clear organisation or planning.
It is worth noting that the Revolution of Dignity and the unfolding of Russian
aggression against Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia in November 2013 - May 2014 were
triggers. The population was divided into two opposing sides and confronted each other
to prove their pro-Russian or pro-European position (Euromaidan and Anti-Maidan).
The study of the events of the Revolution of Dignity in Zaporizhzhia helps to
better understand the peculiarities of the course of the revolution and the struggle for a
pro-European future in the Zaporizhzhia region during November 2013 - May 2014.
Understanding how the events in different regions, including Zaporizhzhia, contributed
to the support and promotion of the ideas of freedom and democracy. The formation of
a united civil society capable of resisting external pressure and internal destructive
forces is one of the most important lessons of the Revolution of Dignity.
The events of the Revolution of Dignity and the subsequent annexation of Crimea
by the Russian Federation created an extremely tense environment in Ukraine,
especially in the south-eastern regions, where separatist sentiments have intensified.
Zaporizhzhia region, being of strategic importance, felt this impact very acutely: proRussian movements and attempts to strengthen separatist tendencies began to grow in
many of its cities. This weakened the region during the active phase of the RussianUkrainian war, when the local population became the driving force behind the struggle
to support a democratic Ukraine or pro-Russian ideas. The annexation of Crimea and
the outbreak of the war in Donbas by Russia underscore the importance of national
consolidation and the formation of a civic identity that helps to counter the threats of
destabilisation and separatism.
The relevance of a detailed analysis of the events of the Revolution of Dignity
and the unfolding of Russian aggression against Ukraine is important for understanding
possible past mistakes and preventing them in the future. A thorough study of the
manifestations of separatism, in particular in Zaporizhzhia, will help to develop
effective mechanisms to counteract and preserve the integrity of the state in the face of
current global challenges.
The scientific novelty of the dissertation is a comprehensive study of the events
of the Revolution of Dignity and the unfolding of Russian aggression against Ukraine
(November 2013 - May 2014). The study allows for a deeper understanding of the
regional context and its impact on all-Ukrainian processes. For the first time, attention is
focused on Zaporizhzhia in the period (November 2013 - May 2014), which creates a
holistic picture of the confrontation with pro-Russian sentiments. The author analyses
the events of the Revolution of Dignity in Zaporizhzhia, namely in the cities of regional
and district significance: Zaporizhzhia, Pologi, Berdiansk, Melitopol, Enerhodpri and
Vasylivka. The peculiarities of the course and defeat of the ‘Russian Spring’ events in
Zaporizhzhia, Melitopol and Berdiansk are determined. The stages of the events of the
Revolution of Dignity and the ‘Russian Spring’ in Zaporizhzhia (November 2013 - May
2014) are formulated and characterised.
The practical significance of the dissertation research lies in the possibility of
using its results for further study of the events of the Revolution of Dignity and the
unfolding of Russian aggression against Ukraine at the regional level during November
2013 - May 2014. The materials can be used in history lessons of Ukraine and the native
land, in conducting special courses, special seminars, conferences at the history faculties
of universities.
As a result of the historiographical analysis, it was found that the historiography
on the topic «Zaporizhzhia region in the context of the Revolution of Dignity and the
unfolding of Russian aggression against Ukraine (November 2013 - May 2014)» can be
divided into the period before 2013 and after 2013. It should be noted that before 2013,
Ukrainian scholars mostly considered separatism in the context of global processes.
However, Russian researchers interpreted Ukraine's secession from the USSR as an act
of separatism, emphasising the «break» with the «brotherly people».
