The Myth Behind the Entire "Special Operation"
Since 2014, the main refrain has been: "There is no legitimate authority in Kyiv — there is a junta that came through a coup." This phrase was used to justify the annexation of Crimea, the war in Donbas, and the 2022 invasion. If this thesis collapses, so does the justification for aggression.
What Actually Happened in February–May 2014
On February 21, 2014, Yanukovych signs an agreement with the opposition on early elections and a return to the 2004 Constitution. Guarantees were provided by the foreign ministers of Germany, Poland, and a representative from France OSCE/ODIHR. That same night, Yanukovych leaves Kyiv. On February 22, the Verkhovna Rada, with 328 votes, declares the president self-removed and appoints acting president — Speaker Turchynov. On May 25, 2014, presidential elections were held. Poroshenko won in the first round with 54.7% OSCE/ODIHR 2014. The elections were recognized as free and fair by international observers.
The Key Question that Debunks the Myth
If the authority was "illegitimate," then why:
- was it recognized by all countries in the world, except one UN — recognition of sovereignty;
- were contracts signed, trade conducted, and diplomacy carried out with it US Department of State;
- even Russia, until 2022, officially recognized Poroshenko and Zelensky (negotiations, summits, letters to the UN).
The answer is simple: because it was fully legitimate.
How a "Junta" Was Made from Ordinary Elections
- Elections of 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020 — "not legitimate because Crimea and Donbas did not vote" (despite international monitoring and impossibility of holding elections in occupied territories OSCE/ODIHR).
- Zelensky — "puppet" (although he won fair elections against Poroshenko with 73% of the vote OSCE/ODIHR 2019).
- Verkhovna Rada — "Banderites" (the real "Servant of the People" party won a majority in 2019 OSCE/ODIHR 2019).
Why This Was Needed and Still Is
So that annexation, war, and invasion appeared as "restoration of legality." Any Ukrainian president was automatically declared "illegitimate," allowing the country’s decisions to be ignored and military actions justified.
The Real Picture
Since May 2014, Ukraine has had fully legitimate, internationally recognized authority. Free elections were conducted under the observation of the OSCE, EU, USA, and dozens of countries. No international organization, court, or country (except Russia) has declared Ukrainian authorities "illegitimate" OSCE/ODIHR 2020.
Conclusion
The thesis "legitimate authority in Ukraine ended in 2014" is a political lie. As long as the myth persists, Russia can present aggression as "restoring justice." The refutation is based on international facts, observer reports, and official documents of the Verkhovna Rada.
Key Sources and References
- OSCE/ODIHR — reports on elections 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020
- Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine — Resolution № 764-VII, February 2014
- Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine — Resolution № 757-VII, February 2014
- UN/OHCHR — events of 2014
- HRW — Ukraine reports
- Amnesty International — Ukraine 2014–2022
- US Department of State — official recognition of authority
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.
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Last modified date: 25/11/2025