2014 was a »black year« for Ukraine and the European peace order: Principles that were previously considered to be »givens« like the inviolability of borders and the obligation to solve conflicts peacefully were put in question. With regard to Ukraine, there is considerable doubt as to whether the process of internal democratisation desired and triggered by large segments of the »Euromaidan« movement is now on the right track and can no longer be rolled back. Pluralism is developing primarily through competition between regional or sectoral oligarchs. The Ukrainian economy and social structure are in shambles. The usual austerity policy strategy promoted by Western donors does not offer an adequate solution to current problems. It nevertheless continues to be propagated by Western countries and is accepted by the new Ukrainian government largely without question