Ukraine elections fail to inspire as war, economy dampen mood
At age 25, Martirosyan is young enough to have no strong memories of the country’s Soviet past. Her decision to take part in the Maidan protest movement — named for the square where the events unfolded — was sparked by rage at ousted president Viktor Yanukovych’s decision to freeze ties with the European Union. Turning Ukraine away from the West, possibly irreparably, was more than thousands of activists her age could bear. And when Yanukovych fled in February, there was palpable excitement about Ukraine entering a new era within the Western fold.