Ukraine and Russia

Whāinga ako: Lesson Goals

Students will understand the causes and effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the role of international responses.

Kremlin =  a term often used to refer to the Russian government or leadership

Annexation = When one country takes control of another area or territory

Ceasefire = An agreement to stop fighting temporarily or permanently

Occupation = When a country’s military controls part of another country

Refugee = A person who has to leave their country to escape war or danger

NATO = A group of countries from Europe and North America that agree to protect each other if any member is attacked

Territory swap = When countries exchange areas of land, often as part of a peace deal

Displacement = When people are forced to leave their homes because of war or conflict

What is happening today?

Today in Ukraine, many suburbs and cities look completely different because of the ongoing war. About 1 in every 10 homes in the country has been damaged or destroyed, which affects more than 2.5 million households. In some areas whole neighbourhoods are empty and everyday activities like going to school or work have become very difficult for the people who still live there.

The rest of the world

Many countries have been calling for the end of the war and for there to be a ceasefire. Donald Trump has recently said that a peace deal could be possible between Russia and Ukraine. He suggested that Ukraine and Russia might have to swap some land and that Ukraine would not join NATO (NATO is a group of countries from Europe and North America that agree to protect each other if any member is attacked.) but the U.S. and Europe would give security guarantees. Ukraine has rejected this idea because their constitution does not allow giving up land to another country. 

Trump also set deadlines for Russia to stop fighting, and there have been talks about providing NATO-style protections for Ukraine. The plan is still being discussed and has not been agreed to by either side.