4. Ukraine Hangs in the Balance

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When the Ukrainian Government opted not to sign a new economic agreement with Europe and instead strengthen their ties with Russia, protests erupted around the country. Many Ukrainians wanted to distance themselves from Russia, a country that once dominated the entire region by absorbing neighboring countries into what was once the Soviet Union. Ukraine is in a particularly difficult position since many ethnic Russians live there, and are in favor of closer ties with Russia. The future is far from certain for Ukraine, as Russia continues to show that it is interested in reeling the strategically-important country back in and under its influence.