Political scientist Ruslan Bortnik says it is difficult to fully assess the events of the Revolution of Dignity (Maidan) because Ukraine is still living in its aftermath.
“Since 2014, following the Revolution of Dignity, Ukraine has been in a political cycle marked by profound internal transformations,” Bortnik explained. “These include shifts in political, humanitarian, social, demographic, and economic balances, alongside direct conflict with the Russian Federation and a turn toward NATO and EU integration. We are still within this cycle, and it is too early to draw final conclusions.”
Bortnik noted that how this period in Ukrainian history is remembered will depend on its outcome. If Ukraine achieves full integration into the West, a high standard of living, and strong democratic institutions, the Revolution of Dignity will be seen as a great victory. Conversely, if Ukraine suffers collapse, democratic decline, population loss, and territorial reduction, this period may be remembered as a new Ukrainian “Ruina” (ruin).
“So far, the goals proclaimed on the Maidan — a democratic, free, prosperous country integrated into the EU and NATO — have not yet been achieved,” Bortnik said. He cited ongoing Russian aggression, ineffective governance, and corruption as factors that have left Ukraine without control over almost a fifth of its territory and caused the loss of nearly half of its pre-war population. Levels of political freedom and competition have narrowed, and living standards have fallen sharply.
Bortnik emphasized that this does not mean the Maidan protesters were wrong: “People wanted a better life, more democracy, and greater freedom. However, the elites who came to power after the Revolution of Dignity failed to harness this social energy, made numerous mistakes, and became mired in corruption and internal conflicts.”
“The final assessment of the Maidan will depend on whether its ideas ultimately prevail,” he concluded.
