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In late November 2013, the president of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, announced his country’s decision to suspend its bid for membership in the European Union in favor of maintaining trade relations with Russia. The announcement led to mass protests and deadly clashes between civilians and law enforcement. Yanukovych, several members of his cabinet, and a group of private citizens allegedly linked to his regime left the country. After the new cabinet took over, Ukrainian prosecutors brought charges against Yanukovych, various former government officials, and other individuals. Ukraine appealed to INTERPOL in order to locate and arrest the former president and others who were facing charges but managed to leave the country.