Dancing with the devil: explaining the European Union’s engagement with Ukraine under Viktor Yanukovych

Abstract:

Viktor Yanukovych’s ouster from power in 2014 was widely celebrated in Europe as a step forward for democracy in Ukraine. What is now somewhat forgotten, however, is that the European Union (EU) was closely engaged with the Yanukovych regime, offering it a favorable Association Agreement even as the country regressed with respect to democracy.

This article examines the EU’s policy toward Ukraine during Yanukovych’s presidency (2010–2014), highlighting the disconnection between the EU’s rhetorical commitment to democracy and events in Ukraine. It explores the attempt by the EU to impose conditionality, arguing that EU frustration with Ukraine eventually led it to water down its demands in the hopes of claiming success in furthering EU–Ukraine ties.