Putin Accused the United States of Organizing the Maidan in Ukraine

The revolution of dignity in Ukraine was organized by the United States, the Russian president said. After that, the country got split. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the United States of organizing the Maidan in Ukraine in 2013-2014. He made such a statement in an article for the German edition Die Welt titled "Being Open, Despite the Past". The editorial board called the article Putin's vision of European history. Thus, the Russian president called the Revolution of Dignity an "anti-constitutional armed coup". This was where it all started. Why was it necessary to do this? Then incumbent president Yanukovych had already accepted all the demands of the opposition. Why did the USA organize the coup and the European countries weak-heartedly support it, provoking a split within Ukraine and the withdrawal of Crimea? According to Putin, many countries were allegedly put before the artificial choice of being either with the collective West or with Russia. "In fact, it was an ultimatum. The Ukrainian tragedy of 2014 is an example of the consequences that such an aggressive policy has led to," he said. Putin also said that NATO eastward expansion and a number of former Soviet republics joining the organization dashed hopes for a continent without dividing lines. Our common and indisputable goal is to ensure security on the continent without dividing lines, a common space for equitable cooperation and inclusive development for the prosperity of Europe and the world as a whole," Putin stressed. In his opinion, the historical reconciliation of the Russian people and the Germans played a huge role in the formation of a united Europe. Putin added that Russia stands for the restoration of partnership with Europe - the prosperity and security of Europe is only possible through the joint efforts of all countries, including Russia. At the same time, he noted that tensions are rising, the risks of a new arms race are becoming real. Recall, earlier Putin said that the United States rudely and brazenly deceived Russia during the Euromaidan in Ukraine. According to him, then Washington asked Moscow to influence Viktor Yanukovych so that he would not use the army against the protesters. Russia agreed, and a day later "a coup d'etat took place in Ukraine".