Will lay out some simple givens that I think are mostly unc…

Will lay out some simple givens that I think are mostly uncontroversial:

Maidan was a political movement in 2013 - 2014 that led to protests of president of Ukraine Yanukovych for choosing to seek closer ties to Russia
Maidan was supported by a large proportion of Ukrainians. From polls I have seen I think a rough estimate of 50% of Ukrainians supporting the movement is fair to say.
Maidan involved several months of mass protest across Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv, that came to a head in February 2014 in a particularly violent episode that left hundreds killed. Mostly civilians but police as well. Among the Maidan protesters were far right groups that were known to be violent and aggressive and instigated violent clashes with police. The police were also accused of excessive violence at times.
Across Ukraine there were Pro-Russian counter protesters. Violent clashes broke out with them as well, in some cases leading to mass casualties.
The US publicly voiced their support for the Maidan protests. US congress people and diplomats showed up, supported and gave speeches at rallies, saying roughly that Ukrainian people should advocate for closer ties with Europe.