The Essence of the Claim
One of the most persistent Russian propaganda myths claims that the shootings on Euromaidan in February 2014 were allegedly orchestrated by the "new authorities," the opposition, or foreign intelligence services. According to this version, snipers acted "by order" to provoke escalation, discredit Yanukovych, and justify a change of power.
At first glance, the thesis seems "conspiratorially plausible." However, upon examination, it collapses completely: no official investigation, judicial body, or international organization has confirmed the existence of such orders or organizers on the opposition side.
How the Myth Has Persisted for 11 Years
Since February 20, 2014, the same versions have been repeatedly circulated in the media:
- "The Heavenly Hundred were killed by their own to blame Yanukovych";
- "Parubiy commanded the snipers";
- "Turchynov gave the shooting orders";
- "Georgian or Baltic mercenaries shot under Saakashvili's instructions";
- "CIA and MI6 conducted a false-flag operation".
A common feature of all these versions is the absence of verifiable evidence. They rely on anonymous "witnesses," out-of-context statements, unverified recordings, and pseudo-documents never accepted by any investigative body.
What Real Investigations Showed
Since 2014, the Euromaidan events have been the subject of one of the most extensive investigations in modern Europe. Investigators examined:
- thousands of videos and photographs;
- ballistic examinations;
- forensic reports;
- radio intercepts and orders from security forces;
- 3D reconstructions of bullet trajectories.
The findings of the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine and independent international research groups are unequivocal:
- most protesters were shot from directions controlled by Berkut units and internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
- standard issue weapons of the security forces were used;
- positions from which shooting occurred were occupied by security forces after protesters were pushed back;
- the "foreign snipers" versions are unsupported by any material evidence.
Detailed reconstructions are presented in studies by Bellingcat and SITU Research, which use methodologies accepted in international courts.
Why the "Order by the New Authorities" Version Is Illogical
Even without expert analysis, the myth fails logical scrutiny:
- By February 20, Yanukovych had already lost control over security forces and was preparing to flee.
- The opposition did not control the Ministry of Internal Affairs, SBU, or the army.
- Killing one's own supporters would have been political suicide.
- No participant of the alleged "conspiracy" has been identified in 11 years.
The myth ignores the main fact: the use of lethal force against civilians was a decision of the incumbent authorities, not the future ones.
Legal Assessment
From a legal perspective, the February 2014 events fall under international standards for investigating mass killings:
- use of lethal force against protesters — violation of Articles 2 and 6 of the ICCPR;
- lack of effective investigation under Yanukovych — violation of the state’s duty to protect the right to life;
- attempts to shift blame through disinformation — an element of information cover-up of crimes.
These conclusions are reflected in reports of the Council of Europe International Advisory Panel and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Purpose of This Myth
The "snipers by order" version serves a specific function:
- to absolve the Yanukovych regime of responsibility;
- to discredit Euromaidan as a popular protest;
- to justify the annexation of Crimea and subsequent aggression;
- to turn victims into "provocateurs".
This is not a search for truth but a tool of a long-term information war.
Conclusion
The myth of "snipers by order of the new authorities" is unsupported by facts, documents, or investigations. It contradicts evidence, logic, and law.
Real data shows that the Euromaidan shootings were a crime committed by the incumbent regime, not a staged action by the opposition or the West. Everything else is an attempt to rewrite history and absolve responsibility for the deaths.
Main Sources and Materials
About the Authors
This article was curated and verified by a team of experts in international law, human rights, and geopolitical analysis. Contributors have 15+ years of experience in research, legal documentation, and educational content development.
Methodology
The content on this site is compiled and verified by experts in international law, human rights, and geopolitical research. Sources include official legal documents, national and international legislation, resolutions of the UN, reports from international organizations, and verified open-source evidence. Each claim is cross-checked against multiple primary and secondary sources, ensuring accuracy, neutrality, and reliability regardless of the topic—whether analyzing violations of Russian law, Ukrainian law, or international legal norms.
Expert Statement
The authors affirm that the information presented reflects established legal interpretations and documented facts. Analyses are grounded in international law principles and widely recognized geopolitical assessments. References to official documents and reports are provided to ensure transparency and trustworthiness.
Last modified date: 25/11/2025