The Ukrainian crisis in 2014 began with protests where people demanded signing of free trade agreement and joining with EU, improved socio-economic situation and respect for human and civil rights. The protesters achieved their political goals in February 2014 with the fall of the Ukrainian government and the resignation of the Ukrainian President. Russia has been closely following political situation in Ukraine, but has been reluctant to accept the fact that one of its key strategic partners will soon become a member of the EU and NATO. Russia wanted to prevent such a scenario, but at the same time was aware that open military intervention would lead to the loss of international prestige, severe economic sanctions and the involvement of European countries in the conflict. Russia has therefore decided to use a hybrid warfare, in which, in addition to the army, civilian measures are also used, with which actor wants to reduce the enemy's cohesion and desire to fight. This method of warfare was used by Russia on the Crimean peninsula and in eastern Ukraine in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Russian hybrid warfare in Crimea was much more successful than hybrid warfare in eastern Ukraine. The reasons for the difference in combat effectiveness should be sought in the military component of hybrid warfare, which consists of regular and irregular military units.
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