Election Interference and Countering the "Orange Revolution" (2004)
Direct interference by the Russian Federation in the presidential election of a sovereign state in order to impose a loyal candidate (V. Yanukovych): two weeks before the first round, the head of the Russian state, live on three Ukrainian television channels, campaigned for the incumbent prime minister, declaring that "V. Yanukovych's government achieved more: they managed to fill this growth with good quality"[1]. Chemical poisoning was used against the leader of the democratic forces, V. Yushchenko: the dioxin levels in his blood "were more than 50,000-fold greater than those in the general population"[2]. In response to the protests, Moscow instigated the threat of splitting the country apart - at the Sievierodonetsk congress (28 November 2004) Regions faction leader R. Bohatyriova's words "we will hold a referendum on the creation of a South-Eastern state" were met with applause, while the mayor of Moscow Yu. Luzhkov sat as an honored guest in the presidium[3].
Actors
| ID | Name | Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| G0011 | Russian Federation | 3 |
Instruments Applied
| ID | Name | Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| S0009 | Diplomacy | 1 |
| S0021 | Propaganda | 1 |
| S0017 | Secret Police and Security Services | 1 |
Procedures Carried Out
An attempt to physically eliminate the leader of the democratic opposition V. Yushchenko at the height of the election campaign by dioxin poisoning: in late December 2004 "a patient presented with TCDD poisoning; the levels in his blood serum (108000 pg/g lipid weight) were more than 50 000-fold greater than those in the general population"[2]. The poisoning led to severe disfigurement of the candidate's face.
The conduct of an aggressive information campaign in favor of "their" candidate with the direct participation of the head of the Russian state: live on three Ukrainian television channels two weeks before the vote, praise was voiced for the candidate's government - "V. Yanukovych's government achieved more: they managed to fill this growth with good quality. That is, Ukraine's economy is developing in a diversified way"[1]. In parallel, opponents were demonized with accusations of nationalism and pro-fascist views.
The instigation of the threat of splitting the country in response to the protests: at the congress in Sievierodonetsk on November 28, 2004, Regions faction leader R. Bohatyriova gave a direct promise of a separatist referendum - "we will not go to it with you, we will hold a referendum on the creation of a South-Eastern state (ovation, applause)"[3]. The presence of Russian officials lent this Moscow's sanction: the mayor of Moscow Yu. Luzhkov reminded the hall from the rostrum that "our President of Russia Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin was the first to congratulate Viktor Fedorovych Yanukovych on his victory"[3].