Dignity and Freedom Day: the history of the Maidan movements and their significance today

Dignity and Freedom Day commemorates Ukrainians' struggle for freedom and the European path. Learn why the events of the Maidan movements are still important today and how you can support Ukraine

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On November 21, Ukraine celebrates Dignity and Freedom Day — a date that reminds us of two revolutions that determined the path of the modern state: the Orange Revolution of 2004 and the Revolution of Dignity of 2013–2014. This day is a reminder that freedom and choice do not fall from the sky — they are defended, sometimes at the cost of life.

And today, in the midst of a full-scale war, this day resonates particularly loudly: Ukrainians are once again fighting for the right to be independent, free, and European.

The Orange Revolution: the first mass lesson in solidarity

On November 21, 2004, the second round of presidential elections took place in Ukraine. Mass evidence of fraud in favor of pro-Russian candidate Viktor Yanukovych sparked large-scale protests. As a result, the very next day, Independence Square in Kyiv became a place of public protest, solidarity, and struggle for freedom.

Key facts about the events of 2004:

● On November 22, people took to Independence Square in Kyiv.

● The protests lasted over a month and remained peaceful.

● The Supreme Court of Ukraine invalidated the results of the second round.

● A repeat vote was scheduled, which resulted in the victory of Viktor Yushchenko.

The Orange Revolution was the first mass display of civic activism, when Ukrainians were able to peacefully defend their choice.

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Euromaidan and the Revolution of Dignity: the struggle for the future we choose for ourselves

On November 21, 2013, Yanukovych's government announced that it was suspending preparations for signing the Association Agreement with the EU. This decision contradicted the course supported by the majority of Ukrainian citizens.

How the protest began:

● On the evening of November 21, journalists and students took to Maidan for a peaceful demonstration.

● The protest was not political — people demanded a return to the European vector.

Why the situation escalated:

● On the night of November 29-30, the Berkut special police unit brutally dispersed the students who remained on the square.

● Videos of the beatings sparked mass protests across the country.

Key events:

● On December 1, 2013, between 500,000 and 1 million people took to the streets of Kyiv.

● On January 16, 2014, the authorities passed so-called “dictatorial laws” that severely restricted citizens' freedoms.

● From January 19 to 22, the first protesters, Serhiy Nigoyan and Mikhail Zhiznevsky, were killed.

● On February 18–21, 2014, security forces opened fire on protesters. More than 100 people were killed — they were called the “Heavenly Hundred.”

This tragedy finally broke Yanukovych's regime — on the night of February 22, he fled his estate and found himself in russia two days later.

At the same time, these events are closely intertwined with events in the east and south of the country, because on February 20, 2014, even before Yanukovych fled, Russia began its operation to occupy Crimea, and in the spring it unleashed a war in Donbas. Today's full-scale invasion is a direct continuation of that same policy.

It is no coincidence that russian propaganda still refers to the Revolution of Dignity as a “coup.” Because the Maidans are proof that Ukraine does not accept dictatorship, does not allow itself to be manipulated, and has its own subjectivity, which contradicts the imperial logic of the kremlin.

Why do we need to remember the Maidans today?

Ukraine is paying a high price for the choices it made in 2004 and 2013–2014 — for the right to be a democratic state and part of the European space.

The Day of Dignity and Freedom reminds us that it is no coincidence that Ukraine has become a symbol of resistance and the defense of democratic values — it is the result of the struggle of Ukrainians.

Today, everyone can join in supporting Ukraine — not only on the front lines, but also in everyday life. One way to do this is to purchase patriotic Visit Ukraine merchandise: T-shirts, hoodies, souvenirs, and accessories with Ukrainian symbols. Every purchase is a contribution to supporting Ukrainians and Ukraine. It is a simple but meaningful way to show that the heroes of the past are not forgotten and that today's defenders are not alone.

Honor the heroes of the past and support those who defend Ukraine today — purchase patriotic merchandise at Visit Ukraine.

We remind you! Ukraine is undergoing a moment of rethinking itself — a country that defends freedom while opening its culture, nature, and history to the world as a source of inspiration and strength. From art to sustainable tourism, every direction is becoming part of the global conversation about modern identity and development. Read more about how Ukraine is transforming its resources into a tool for revival and international recognition.

Photo: mpravda.com.ua

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