Yulia Tymoshenko

Tymoshenko became Prime Minister of Ukraine after the Orange Revolution, serving under President Viktor Yushchenko. Her government focused on reversing privatization deals from the Kuchma era and increasing social spending.

Tymoshenko negotiated a gas supply agreement with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, ending a dispute that had cut off gas to Europe. The deal set prices for Ukrainian gas imports but was later criticized as unfavorable to Ukraine.

Tymoshenko was convicted of abuse of office over the 2009 gas deal and sentenced to seven years in prison. The trial was widely condemned as politically motivated by the Yanukovych government. Her imprisonment sparked international outcry.

Tymoshenko was released from prison following the Euromaidan protests and the ousting of President Yanukovych. She was freed by a vote of the Ukrainian parliament and immediately flew to Kyiv to address the protesters.