The article examines the extent to which the 'Orange Revolution' could be considered a revolutionary event stimulated by civil society, or a different type of political activity (a putsch, coup d'?tat), legitimated by elite-sponsored 'soft' political power. Based on public opinion poll data and responses from focus groups, the author contends that what began as an orchestrated protest against election fraud developed into a novel type of political activity – a revolutionary coup d'?tat. It is contended that the movement was divisive rather than integrative and did not enjoy widespread popular support.