President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the so-called Maidan revolution, which toppled a pro-Russia leader 10 years ago, as the “first victory” in a long struggle against Moscow.
In hindsight, protests that began nine years ago and toppled a Ukrainian president were a pivot point in efforts by Vladimir V. Putin to exert Russian control over Ukraine.
Besides their military failures, the Russians entered the war believing they could persuade Ukrainians in the east to join their side. Those efforts have failed spectacularly.