Shouldn't, Wouldn't, Couldn't? Analyzing the Involvement of Oligarchs' Philanthropy Foundations in the Ukrainian Protests of 2013-14

This article analyzes the role of philanthropy foundations established by wealthy Ukrainian businessmen-politicians during the 2013-14 Maidan protests. It explores whether and how these foundations, often espousing values of social change and democratization, engaged with a movement that also aimed for "de-oligarchization." The findings indicate that the foundations’ actions were largely dictated by their founders’ political affiliations, and their overall impact on the grassroots social movement was marginal. The study highlights the complex legitimacy challenges faced by oligarchic philanthropy during periods of political upheaval.