5 Shocking Ukraine Before And After GIFs

Ukraine Before After Aerial

It’s a lot easier to destroy than it is to build. And in the face of ruin, Ukraine has a lot of hard work ahead of it. Now wanted in Kiev for mass murder, Prime Minister Yanukovych fled the country this past weekend, leaving an already conflict ridden Ukraine without a leader–no matter how nominal of one Yanukovych may have been.

Before mounting debt crises, currency devaluation and political turmoil, old and new faces, interests and agenda are entering the fray. After Russia’s $15 billion bailout package has been suspended, the International Monetary Fund has stepped up as the lender of last resort, offering its aid–but likely for an austerity-filled price. Meanwhile, as three main opposition parties clash regarding the face and shape of Ukraine’s future, former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and her characteristic braid have emerged from prison and are beginning to steal the press spotlight. Tymoshenko, whose stint in prison followed accusations of abuse of power, embezzlement and brokering an ethically questionable natural gas deal with Russia, is an incredibly polarizing figure in Ukraine’s recent memory. Conveniently, the interim president, Oleksandr Turchynov, is an ally of Tymoshenko.

It remains to be seen how Tymoshenko and Turchynov will seize this critical moment in Ukraine’s history, but as the following images show, abject chaos will surround the country in transition for the foreseeable future.

Ukraine Before After Throwing Stones

Ukraine Before After Independence Square

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15 Things That Are Cheaper Than Whatsapp

Cheaper Than Whatsapp Clean Water

In a bold move that definitely doesn’t suggest that Facebook Messenger is an abject failure or that Facebook big wigs are fearful of competition, social media master Mark Zuckerberg recently slipped $19 billion into the hands of 55 Whatsapp employees. Now, Zuck is the proud possessor of a simple messaging application best known for, err, we aren’t really sure. But we do know that for $19 billion, he could have…funded NASA for an entire year. Or, you know, had a really sweet art collection.

Cheaper Than Whatsapp Paintings

Cheaper Than Whatsapp Vaccines

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Welcome To Florida!

Stand Your Ground

No, Zimmerman’s attorneys didn’t invoke “Stand Your Ground” as a defense. But that doesn’t make the vigilante “justice” legislation any less morally misguided.

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The Difference Between Obama And Putin

Obama Putin

Basically, Putin doesn’t fuck with all that respect and decorum bullshit.

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The Venezuelan Protests In Photos

Venezuela Protests Flowers

Source:Slate

Following the death of ever-contentious political figure Hugo Chávez in April 2013, President Nicolas Maduro has held the reins of Venezuela’s future. And from the looks of it, Maduro doesn’t hold much stock in what that might bring. Since taking office, Venezuela has seen a huge surge in currency devaluation, inflation and budgetary deficits, to the point where China recently reneged on it’s $20 billion loan, and both Moody’s and Standard and Poor reduced Venezuela’s bond rating to “junk” status.

Add to that the perennial concerns over the Venezuelan government’s iron clad grip on media outlets and general…distaste…for open, unbridled dissent, and you’ve got yourself one helluva storm brewing. Presently, the anti-Maduro opposition is being led by Leopoldo López, who has been charged with–get this–murder and terrorism after riot police opened fire on an anti-government demonstration in Caracas. While López was arrested on Tuesday, he had harsh words for Maduro and co (who are presently concerned with pinning the blame on “fascist” US allies and the “parasitic bourgeoisie”, not themselves). Said López, “The change we want is in every one of us. Let us not surrender. I will not!”

It remains to be seen what will become of Maduro, López and Venezuela, but the scenes below depict a Venezuela not unlike that of the 1989 Caracazo riots. You know, the ones that led to regime change and the rise of Hugo Chávez himself.

Venezuela Protests Climbing

Source: Buzzfeed

Venezuela Protests Tear Gas

A woman recovering from being sprayed with tear gas. Source: Buzzfeed

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