In Ukraine, they honor the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred. A look back at the Revolution of Dignity through powerful photographs.

On Thursday, February 20, Ukraine commemorates the Heavenly Hundred Heroes. Eleven years ago, security forces loyal to then-President Viktor Yanukovych opened fire on protesters in Maidan, Kyiv. As a result of these tragic events, more than 100 people lost their lives.

It was these individuals who became known as the Heavenly Hundred. Since 2015, Ukraine has honored the memory of those who fell during the Revolution of Dignity on February 20 each year. Therefore, "Telegraph" invites readers to recall the events of eleven years ago.

How the Revolution Began

Protests erupted in Ukraine in the fall of 2013 due to the government's refusal to pursue European integration. People initially called for the resignation of Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, followed by demands for Viktor Yanukovych to step down. Ultimately, both left their positions within a few months of each other.

The protests continued throughout the winter of 2013-2014 and concluded in early spring. They took place not only in Kyiv but also in other cities across Ukraine. The authorities deployed special police units and SBU forces against the protesters, including "Berkut," "Sokol," "Alpha," "Bars," "Tiger," "Cobra," and others.

Events of February 20

Despite a truce being agreed upon between opposition leaders and Yanukovych, the standoff in central Kyiv persisted. Security forces used water cannons and firearms to disperse the protesters, who retaliated by igniting firecrackers and "Molotov cocktails."

During the clashes on Instytutska Street, protesters pushed security forces back to the October Palace. However, unknown armed individuals in black uniforms soon appeared on the streets and opened fire on the crowd.

Later, it was suggested that these could have been either SBU "Alpha" operatives or soldiers from the so-called "Black Company" of the "Berkut." Snipers also fired upon the protesters.

On the same day, Ukraine's Interior Minister Vitaly Zakharchenko announced that he had signed an order to issue firearms to police officers due to "attacks from extremists."

Consequences

As a result of the shootings that day, more than 40 protesters and 4 security personnel were killed. In the evening of February 20, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a resolution "Condemning the Use of Violence Leading to Loss of Life." Security forces were withdrawn from Maidan, and Self-Defense patrols appeared on the streets of Kyiv and other cities.

The following day, February 21, Ukraine held farewell ceremonies for those who died in Maidan. At the same time, Yanukovych and his close associates fled the country, while Russia initiated an undeclared war and the annexation of Crimea.

As reported by "Telegraph," on February 15, 2025, it will mark 36 years since the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. Approximately 15,000 soldiers and officers lost their lives in that war, including nearly three thousand Ukrainians.