The Orange Revolution begins in Ukraine, resulting from the presidential elections.

The Orange Revolution in Ukraine was a series of protests and political events that took place from late November 2004 to January 2005, triggered by widespread allegations of electoral fraud during the presidential elections. The election initially declared the pro-Russian candidate Viktor Yanukovych as the winner, but evidence of systematic manipulation and voter intimidation led to mass demonstrations, primarily centered in Kyiv’s Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti). These protests, characterized by their peaceful nature and the symbolic use of the color orange (representing Viktor Yushchenko’s campaign), united citizens across various social and regional lines. Following weeks of sustained pressure, the Supreme Court of Ukraine annulled the fraudulent results and ordered a re-run, which Yushchenko subsequently won. The Orange Revolution marked a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s post-Soviet history, underscoring the population’s desire for democratic reforms, greater transparency, and a move towards Western integration.