Ukrainian Orange Revolution was a series of protests, strikes and other actions of civil disobedience in Ukraine during November and December 2004 presidential election. The movement was organized by supporters of Viktor Yuschenko and assailants of Viktor Yanukovich, main candidates and opponents in Ukrainian presidential elections.

The revolution was considered to have commenced with the protest actions after announcement of Central Election Commission (CEC) preliminary results, according to which Viktor Yanukovich was the winner. Supreme Court stated the fact of the voting procedure and vote counting violation which resulted in canceling the CEC decree on the election results and binding over to hold another ballot. The protesters succeeded in bringing Ukrainian authorities to wait for Supreme Court results which would lay the basis for reelections. This time Viktor Yuschenko was officially declared as the winner of presidential election.

Orange color united Ukrainian revolutionaries. Even before dynamic actions on Independence Square it was presented in clothes and accessories of young and politically-active people. Afterwards the movement, Viktor Yuschenko's symbols the logo with a horseshoe for luck and word "Tak!" ("Yes!") were added to the color. The orange plant has become one of the most vivid revolution symbols. Yuschenko's followers were presenting the plants to each other and to their assailants. The verbal symbol became "Maydan" ("Square"). It also became popular between Ukrainian politicians of different camps to talk about "Maydan Ideas".

Ukraine Orange Revolution view

Ukraine Orange Revolution scenery

Central and western regions of Ukraine became the main basis of united opposition, while East and South of Ukraine were supporting the candidate of the power in force. The public meaning of Western countries was pro Ukrainian opposition. Some of European public officials acted as mediators between the contending powers.

After Ukrainian governmental take-over provoked by Orange revolution, radical home and foreign political policy re-targeting many observers have stated the fact of series of "colorful" revolutions. These revolutions started with the takeover in Serbia, then in Georgia and finally in Ukraine. Analysts were also trying to find analogies between them and define those states where the "colorful" revolution might also take place. The authorities of the countries, named to be potential followers of "revolution experience" were taking all possible measures to prevent further acts of revolution.

Ukraine Orange Revolution leader - Viktor Yuschenko

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