Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation about Euromaidan. The demonstrations which began in Kiev in November 2013 were born out of Ukrainians' own desire for a closer relationship with the European Union, and their frustration when former President Yanukovych halted progress toward that goal as a result of Russian pressure (bit.ly/1Ri9ldy), . Ukraine's President Poroshenko was elected on 25 May with a clear majority in a vote which the OSCE characterized as showing the "clear resolve of the authorities to hold what was a genuine election largely in line with international commitments and with a respect for fundamental freedoms" (bit.ly/1Tdu8Qw), . // Astrid Thors, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, has confirmed that Ukraine has demonstrated its intention to embrace European standards for minority rights protection (bit.ly/1Rkro9e), .