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How to Talk about Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

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How to Talk about Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

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A mini-project to promote dialogue, understanding and global citizenship

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Like many of you, I am saddened, disheartened, shocked and outraged by Russia's invasion of Ukraine over the past weekend.

Why did this happen? How could this happen?

But I am even more inspired by how fast the global community has responded.

Several countries have already imposed sanctions. Russia's access to several funding sources are shut off. NATO is corroborating. Filmmakers are assembling to unveil the whole story.
As educators, what will we have our kids do? What can we do?
I truly believe as cultivators of our world's future decision and policy makers, that the best starting point is to talk about what is happening, and help students understand what is at stake.

But the even bigger question is HOW to conduct these discussions?

After 4+ years leading "Model United Nations" delegations, I believe this is the best way to discuss events of this magnitude.

Below are some former students discussing, and voting on Nuclear Disarmament at a Model United Nations Conference in Rome.

Through a mock Conference, students act as UN member state delegates to form joint agreements for how to best avert conflict again.

Here is how the process works:

1. Students choose member UN states to represent

2. In pairs they research their country and it's relationship to the main problem/issue

3. Students write a position paper outlining their stance

4. Delegates (students) prepare for a MUN conference with fellow classmates and write opening speeches

5. The class holds the conference and works together to write a resolution

Yes, this can work in a remote setting.

Yes, this integrates academic curriculum.

Yes, this achievable for students as young as 10.

And more importantly, it helps build empathy, and foster global citizenship.

I have put together a free resource pack here, and a comprehensive project guide to support you in running this with your students.

The Ukranian people put their courage on global display this weekend.

As educators, I hope we can also demonstrate ours.

In solidarity for Ukraine.

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How to Talk about Russia's Invasion of Ukraine: A mini-project to promote dialogue, understanding and global citizenship

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Like many of you, I am saddened, disheartened, shocked and outraged by Russia's invasion of Ukraine over the past weekend. Why did this happen? How could this happen? But I am even more inspired by how fast the global community has responded. Several countries have already imposed sanctions.

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Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

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Ukraine-Russia Conflict Media Literacy Choice Board

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Ukraine-Russia Conflict Media Literacy Choice Board

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Copy of Ukraine-Russia Conflict 2022 Choice Board

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Infographic: The Russia Ukraine Conflict at a Glance

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Infographic: The Russia Ukraine Conflict at a Glance

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The Russia and Ukraine Conflict - At a Glance.pptx

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Choices Program - The Ukraine Crisis, Three Part Lesson Series

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Choices Program - The Ukraine Crisis, Three Part Lesson Series

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Objectives

Students will:

Explore the current situation in Ukraine and its historical origins;

Analyze political cartoons that depict the Ukrainian crisis;

Identify the techniques used by cartoonists to express political opinion;

Monitor the Ukrainian crisis and consider international responses.

Handouts

Monitoring the Ukraine Crisis in the News
Evaluating Media Sources
Note: This lesson has three distinct parts-the first provides information about the ongoing Ukraine crisis and its origins; the second is a political cartoon analysis; and the third asks students to monitor the crisis in the news. You may choose to use all three components, or alternatively, just one or two.
Recommended Reading

Though this lesson can be completed as a stand-alone activity, the following curriculum units provide additional context on the history of Russia and U.S.-Russia relations:

Introduction: Setting the Stage

Begin the class by asking students if they have heard about the ongoing Ukraine crisis. If yes, what do students know about these events? Record students' answers on the board. If students are unfamiliar with the situation, share with them that Ukraine is currently facing the threat of an invasion by the Russian military and a war, a crisis that involves the European Union, Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. Tell the class that they will be exploring this crisis through videos, readings, and political cartoons.

Part I: Understanding the Crisis in Ukraine

Distribute a copy of the map to each student. Have students identify Ukraine on the map. Remind students that Ukraine was controlled by Moscow for centuries and was one of fifteen republics of the Soviet Union until its independence in 1991. Tell students that they are going to watch three short videos that give some important historical background on the current crisis. Pause after viewing each to discuss the key points of each video. Give students time to mark their maps and ask questions.

Show students the short video of Professor Robert Legvold answering the question, "What is the 'near abroad'?"

Ask students to describe the "near abroad" in their own words. Have students mark each country of the "near abroad" on their map. What does Legvold say some people believe Russia is trying to do in the "near abroad"?

Show students the short video of Professor Douglas Blum answering the question, "How do Russia's neighbors regard Russia?"

What factors have influenced the policy decisions of Russia's neighbors? What former Soviet republics have joined NATO? Have students mark those countries on the map. Which former Republics have wanted to join NATO, but have not joined? Tell students to find and mark those countries on the map. What happened in the country of Georgia in 2008?

Show students the short video of Professor Patricia Herlihy answering the question, "What is Russia's relationship with Ukraine?"

What view do many Russians have of Ukraine's independence? What are some of the historical origins of disagreement between Russia and Ukraine?

Form groups of three or four students and distribute the handouts "Ukraine Crisis-Background" and "Graphic Organizer-Charting the Crisis." Ask students to follow the instructions on the handouts and to be prepared to share their answers with the class.

Bring students back together. Go over groups' responses to the questions. What prompted the crisis in Ukraine? What stake do members of the international community (Ukraine, Russia, United States, and the European Union) have in the crisis?

Part II: Political Cartoons

Distribute "Political Cartoons" to each student. Review the introduction with the class, emphasizing the techniques cartoonists use to convey an opinion on political issues. Assign each group a cartoon to analyze. Have students discuss the cartoon and then answer the questions provided. Inform students that they will be presenting their work to the class.

Have each group present their political cartoons. Since you might have multiple groups analyzing the same cartoons, you may wish to have them present together or on different questions from the activity.

As a class, discuss how the political cartoons provide perspective on the crisis in Ukraine. Were students able to identify the message of each cartoon? If so, what were the cartoonists trying to express? Which techniques did students think were most effective in getting the message across? Ask students to imagine that they are the editor of a top U.S. newspaper. Which political cartoon would they feature alongside an upcoming, front-page article on the Ukrainian crisis? Why? Does the cartoon they selected provide the best visual representation of the crisis? Or is it the most thought-provoking?

Part III: Monitoring Ukraine in the News

Distribute "Monitoring the Ukraine Crisis in the News." Tell students that over the course of the next month, they will be following the Ukrainian crisis in the news and taking note of how the crisis evolves. (Please see the list of news sources below that students can use for this activity. Teachers might want to take this opportunity to review with students how to assess media sources for reliability. See the handout "Evaluating Media Sources" for eight steps for assessing source reliability. You might choose to have students use these steps as they monitor the news about Ukraine.) Students should consult at least two or three news sources and write a short update about the crisis every week on Part I of the handout. Encourage students to refer to Ukrainian, U.S. or European, and Russian news sources. At the end of the month, students should answer the questions listed in Part II.

After students have completed the activity, bring the class together to debrief. How has the crisis evolved? Have conditions improved or worsened? What steps has the international community taken? Have the positions of Russia, the United States, and the European Union changed at all? If so, how? What challenges do the Ukrainian people face? Do students believe that a resolution to the conflict is within sight? What sources were most useful? Did students find sources that were unreliable or inaccurate? For example, what do students know about press freedom in Russia and government influence over media outlets? Did students find interesting information in any of the sources they thought were unreliable?

Additional Resources

You may find these additional short videos that explore U.S.-Russia relations helpful.

What are some major sources of tension between Russia and the United States?
What are the broader implications of the Ukraine crisis?
What kind of a relationship should the United States strive to have with Russia?

News Coverage of the Crisis
You may find the selected resources below useful for Part III of the lesson. Russian Sources (in English)
The Moscow Times Russian Photo credit: White House photo. Public domain. Government-Controlled Sources This list is not exhaustive. There are traditional media sources, U.S. government sources, and Russian government-controlled media sources (Sputnik and RT). Teachers should use this as an opportunity to help students consider the value and limitations of different media sources.
U.S. Government Sources
U.S. State Department: Ukraine
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: Ukraine

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In this lesson, students explore the current situation in Ukraine and its historical origins; analyze political cartoons; identify the techniques used by cartoonists to express political opinion; and monitor the crisis and consider international responses.

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https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/18SOrjwEALe09OXb04X9xfoKzIVE4whyLgg_h2BQjaS8/edit#slide=id.g11414eb596b_0_21

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SHARE Crisis in Ukraine Choices slides - Sawalha

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Facing History & Ourselves: Head, Heart & Conscience Discussion Guide

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Facing History & Ourselves: Head, Heart & Conscience Discussion Guide

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Rationale

The classroom is a place where students should learn with intellectual rigor, emotional engagement, and ethical reflection, and come to understand that their own views and choices matter. We represent these core educational values in Facing History's pedagogical triangle, which reflects our synthesis of social-emotional learning and civic education with academic subjects.

This integration of head, heart, and ethics is always important to learning, and it is particularly crucial when students are considering contentious or emotional topics. This strategy can be particularly useful for an initial discussion of complex and emotional current events and to help students clarify their relationship to and their perspective on the event.

Procedure

1. Ask Students to Respond to Head, Heart, Conscience Prompts
Introduce the event or topic that students should respond to. Depending on the context, you might choose to share some background information with students. Then, ask them to respond to a selection of the following prompts in their journals or on a piece of paper:

Head:

What information do you know about this event?

What information is confirmed? What remains uncertain? Are there any facts that are contested?

What additional information would you like to have to help you understand the event better?

Heart:

What emotions does this event raise for you?

Are there particular moments, images, or stories that stand out to you? If so, why?

Conscience:

What questions about fairness, equity, or justice does this event raise for you?

What choices did key figures make, and what values may have guided those choices?

How were people impacted by this event? Are there people who should be held accountable? If so, how?

2. Share and Reflect
Students can share aspects of their reflections with the class or directly with you. If you plan to discuss the event or topic further, use students' responses to guide your subsequent lessons.

Variations
Respond to a Specific Source
You can also share a source-such as an article, video, or image-with your students and ask them to reflect on the source using the following prompts:

Head: What information did you learn from this source? What questions do you still have?

Heart: What emotions does this source raise for you? What aspect of the source stands out to you the most and why?

Conscience: What questions about right or wrong, fairness or injustice, does this source raise for you?
Explore other tools and strategies to help teachers organize discussions on current events in their classrooms using our Educator Guide.

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The classroom is a place where students should learn with intellectual rigor, emotional engagement, and ethical reflection, and come to understand that their own views and choices matter. We represent these core educational values in Facing History's pedagogical triangle, which reflects our synthesis of social-emotional learning and civic education with academic subjects.

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NYTimes Lesson of the Day“How the Ukraine Crisis Developed” 

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NYTimes Lesson of the Day“How the Ukraine Crisis Developed” 

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Lesson of the Day: ‘How the Ukraine Crisis Developed, and Where It Might Be Headed’

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In this lesson, students will learn about the unfolding conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and consider what is at stake for the rest of the world.

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EducationWeek: How to Talk with Students About the Russia-Ukraine War

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EducationWeek: How to Talk with Students About the Russia-Ukraine War

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The Russian invasion of Ukraine this week is resulting in images in the media of buildings exploding in fire, people bloodied and injured from missile attacks, and fearful children and parents getting in cars and buses to flee to safety. It is difficult to watch but hard to ignore. That is the case for children and teenagers as well as adults.

Education Week pulled together 5 tips from our recent coverage of this international crisis to help teachers and principals talk to students thoughtfully and appropriately about what is going on in Ukraine.

1. First and foremost, consider the developmental and age levels of your students

Talking about issues like war looks very different with high school students than it does with elementary school children. The horrifying pictures already emerging from the Russian invasion of Ukraine might be OK to share with high school students because they are seeing similar images on the news. But educators of younger children need to be more careful about how they talk about war and what images they show, even though kids in the digital era likely have easy access to information about the situation. "With younger kids, you usually want to take your cues from the kids themselves-as far as how much they are seeing and hearing, whether they understand the things that they're seeing and hearing, and then offering them some ideas and possibilities for how to manage or cope with their emotions," advises Kathleen Minke, the executive director of the National Association of School Psychologists, in a recent interview with Education Week.

2. Encourage students to feel a sense of agency about how they can make a difference

Minke emphasizes that people of any age will feel a greater sense of hopefulness if they feel like they can do something to help others. Of course, that could be very difficult and complicated in this moment regarding the situation in Ukraine, because it is such a fluid, unpredictable environment. But brainstorming with students about how they could help-maybe rallying community members to donate to international aid groups such as the Red Cross-might be a good start.

3. Explain why it is important to pay attention to what is happening in other parts of the world

"The crisis is a great opportunity for teachers to do a few things. One is to explain: Something that's happening across the world in Europe, why does this matter to some young person in the United States, or to the United States?" said Richard Haass, the president of the Council on Foreign Relations, a nonprofit think tank that focuses on international relations and foreign policy. The group also publishes curriculum and simulation resources for high school and college educators. "In order to be an informed citizen, one needs to be globally literate. One needs to understand why the world matters, how it works, how foreign policy affects the world."

4. Pose nuanced, objective questions to high school students about the crisis

Asking nuanced questions and encouraging students to evaluate different sources of information to develop their own answers to those questions can be a path forward, said Emma Humphries, the chief education officer at iCivics, a nonprofit that promotes civics education and provides educational resources for teachers. Haass adds that getting students to this place where they can wrestle with these questions of foreign policy is a process. "Once you absorb [why international affairs matter], either in principle or specifically, you can go on to: What are the options? What are the potential tools? What should be our priorities? What costs should we be willing to pay?"

5. Share stories of what regular people are experiencing

It's important for students to hear the voices of everyday people, said Jody Sokolower, the co-coordinator of the Teach Palestine Project at the Middle East Children's Alliance. Sokolower, a former managing editor at Rethinking Schools, also edited Teaching About the Wars, that organization's guide to teaching about the Iraq war and U.S. involvement in the Middle East. "Traditionally, history is taught in terms of kings and presidents and military leaders," she said. "And if you look at history in terms of who are the people and who are the movements, what were the issues that they were confronting and how were they trying to fight for more freedom, it really casts things in a different light."

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How to Talk With Students About the Russia-Ukraine War: 5 Tips

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First and foremost, consider the age and developmental levels of the students.

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NYTimesLesson of the Day“The Invasion of Ukraine”

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NYTimesLesson of the Day“The Invasion of Ukraine”

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In this lesson, you will learn about how and why the "most significant European war in almost 80 years" has begun, and explore its implications.

A building in eastern Ukraine on Thursday after Russian forces bombed the area. Credit... Aris Messinis/Agence France-Presse - Getty Images

In this lesson, you will learn about this invasion and its implications. Then you will follow the story via live updates as Ukraine and the rest of the world reacts to a military action that threatens serious consequences for the security structure that has governed Europe since the 1990s.
For additional background, take a look at our Jan. 26 lesson that helps explain key concepts like the Soviet Union, the Cold War, NATO and more. The Warm-Up, below, uses the same article for reference.

A Ukrainian soldier patrolling the front lines in December. Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been simmering since 2014. Credit... Brendan Hoffman for The New York Times

The Russian invasion will upend the lives of 44 million Ukrainians. But the relevance of Ukraine, on the edge of Europe and thousands of miles from the United States, extends far beyond its borders. Its fate has huge implications for the rest of Europe, the health of the global economy and America's place in the world.

Why might Russia, the United States and Europe care so much about Ukraine? With a partner or in a small group, make as long a list as you can think of. It might help to think about the following questions:

Where is Ukraine on a map of Europe? What is significant about its position? This piece, " How To Think About Ukraine, In Maps and Charts," can also help.

What do you know about the history of the relationship between Russia and Ukraine? For example, was Ukraine once part of the Soviet Union? (This timeline can also help.)

What do you know about the political alliances in Europe right now? For instance, what is NATO, and is Ukraine a part of it?

What do you know about the economic relationships between Russia, Ukraine and the rest of the world? For instance, what important exports does Russia supply?

Once you have your list, take a look at the article we used for a Jan. 26 lesson plan, " How the Ukraine Crisis Developed, and Where It Might Be Headed." Skim it to see how many of the items on your list are mentioned there. What more did you learn? What questions do you still have?

Read the article, then answer the following questions:
1. The article begins, "After months of troop and tank buildups, of grim warnings of violence and vague assurances of peace, and of efforts at diplomacy in Washington, the halls of the United Nations and the capitals of Europe, Russia's invasion of Ukraine began early Thursday morning." Have you been aware of some of this? How much have you been following this story so far?

2. What does the article mean by calling the declaration by President Vladimir Putin of Russia "cynical" when it quotes his description of the invasion as a "special military operation" to "demilitarize" Ukraine but not occupy the country?

3. What is the state of the fighting? How are ordinary Ukrainians being affected? (Deeper answers to these questions, beyond what is in this overview, can be found in the Live Briefing.)

4. Why has Mr. Putin long sought control over Ukraine? What happened in 2008 and 2014 to complicate the situation?

5. Why does the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO infuriate Mr. Putin? (For more information, see this article.)

6. What events, starting last fall, led to the invasion on Feb. 24?

7. Ukraine, the United States and others have condemned Russia's aggression and dismissed Mr. Putin's justifications. What have they done in response so far?

A Soviet-era statue in Oleksandriya, Ukraine, titled "Knowledge Is Strength" was transformed a few weeks ago to include a Ukrainian flag. Credit... Brendan Hoffman for The New York Times

On Feb. 27, we published a forum in which we invited young people to react to the invasion and ask questions. So far over 900 have, and we invite you to add your voice, and to respond to the comments of others. For example, here is how Winn Godier begins a thoughtful set of comments. Can you relate?

In no way have I ever been someone to obsess over current events or carve out time in my day to watch the news, probably because of the anxiety it is bound to cause me. However, over the past 2 weeks I have paid more careful attention to current events and the impending "World War 3", watching the news in interest, fear, anger, and sadness.

To see a roundup of some of the best and most representative of those comments, visit this post.

Video

Families fleeing Thursday's attack in Kyiv were stuck in traffic for miles on the capital's longest avenue, as they tried to escape the advancement of Russian troops. Credit Credit... Michael Downey for The New York Times

Because this is news story that will continue to develop, we recommend following it via these live updates. We also recommend delving into some of the history of the region in order to understand the roots of the invasion.

Students might choose an angle that especially interests them, and, via the links below and other news sources, learn as much as they can about it in order to report back to the class.

Here is a beginning list:

Economic Implications: President Biden has announced tough new sanctions aimed at cutting off Russia's largest banks and some oligarchs from much of the global financial system and preventing the country from importing American technology critical to its defense, aerospace and maritime industries. Read about how sanctions work and what is at stake for the global economy. Check the live updates and find out: What other sanctions have been imposed by nations around the world? What economic implications has Russia's attack had globally so far? What is SWIFT, and why is barring Russian banks from using it a powerful tool? What has happened to Russia's economy as a result?

Historical Connections and Context: How has history influenced what is happening today, and how the world is responding? For instance, why might some be calling this conflict a " new Cold War"? Why might this war stir memories of past horrors for Ukraine's Jews? Why is this invasion " unlike most wars in 80 years"? And why, according to four Times Opinion writers who discuss this situation via an audio roundtable, has " the world changed overnight "? What other historical roots and connections can you find?

Putin's Rationale for the Attack: Mr. Putin has spun a narrative, much of which is fabricated or distorted, to justify Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Fact-check Mr. Putin's claims about Ukrainian statehood, the country's path to nuclear weapons, genocide and more. Why might Mr. Putin make these baseless accusations? What might these invocations suggest about Russia's goals, beyond war with Ukraine? Why does what he has said matter for the rest of the world? And how are Russian citizens reacting? (To track the invasion, follow these maps, which The Times continues to update.)

Global Response: How has the world responded to Russia's invasion of Ukraine so far? How are Europeans reacting? What about Russian citizens? What role is the United States taking, and why? What implications might Russia's relationship with China have for this conflict? Why is the fact that NATO countries are sending so many weapons to Ukraine risking further conflict with Russia?And why, according to this news analysis, is there a "a surge of unifying moral outrage over Russia's war"? How is social media playing a crucial role?

Life in Ukraine: What is it like to be in Eastern Ukraine right now as heavy fighting gets underway? This article, via pictures, descriptions of the lives of ordinary people, and even poetry, describes the moment. The video embedded above shows what it was like to be in the nation's capital, Kyiv, as Russian troops advanced. The Feb. 24 edition of "The Daily" features live dispatches from Times correspondents in Ukraine as the attacks begin. And in a Feb. 25 Opinion piece, Veronika Melkozerova, a Ukrainian journalist, writes, " I'm in Kyiv, and It Is Terrifying."As you continue to keep up via Times live updates or other news sources, what details stand out for you, and why? What can you glean about life in Ukraine, and how the invasion is changing it?

Beyond the Battlefield: How will the fallout of Russia's attack affect the rest of the world? This article explains how, in addition to the anticipated bloodshed, the invasion could spur a rise in energy costs, Russian cyberattacks, a new refugee crisis in Europe and more. In what ways might the invasion affect you, the communities you're a part of, or other ordinary people around the globe?

Chernobyl: Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement on Feb. 25 that its paratroopers had taken control of the territory around the former Chernobyl nuclear plant in northern Ukraine and were working with Ukrainian guards to ensure the safety of its facilities, contradicting Ukrainian claims that Russian forces were holding the plant's personnel hostage. Chernobyl was the scene of the worst nuclear accident in history, when an explosion and fire in 1986 destroyed one of the plant's reactors. The two countries have made opposing statements about what is happening there. Why are Ukrainian officials concerned? Read this article to learn more.

Your Choice: As this news develops, there will be a growing number of related effects to investigate, understand and help explain to others. Continue to keep up with the news, whether via Times live updates or any other reliable source.

Video

Credit Credit... Ukrainian Presidential Office via Associated Press

Want more Lessons of the Day? You can find them all here.

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Lesson of the Day: 'The Invasion of Ukraine: How Russia Attacked and What Happens Next'

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In this lesson, you will learn about how and why the "most significant European war in almost 80 years" has begun, and explore its implications. In this lesson, you will learn about this invasion and its implications.

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Education World: Student Discussion Guide: Crisis in Ukraine

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Education World: Student Discussion Guide: Crisis in Ukraine

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Ukraine's new leaders have accused Russia of declaring war, and world leaders are urging a diplomatic solution.
Here's what we know:

The trouble started in late November 2013 when Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych rejected a trade agreement with the European Union (EU), instead choosing to maintain closer ties with Russia.

Following deadly protests led by Ukrainians who supported association with the EU, Yanukovych was ousted on February 22, 2014, and an interim government was put in place.

Threatened by the removal of Ukraine's pro-Russia leader, Russian President Vladimir Putin convinced Parliament to approve the moving of Russian troops into Ukraine's Crimean peninsula. Crimea is an autonomous region of eastern Ukraine that has remained loyal to Russia. (Map image above courtesy of Electionworld/Kelisi.) The region is home to 59% ethnic Russians. Putin said he needed to protect Russian citizens and military based in Crimea, although Ukrainian officials dispute that claim.

By March 2, Russians had assumed military control of Crimea.

The U.S. condemned the aggression, along with other G7 leaders (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom). In a statement, President Obama called Russia's actions a "violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity" that "would negatively impact Russia's standing in the international community." Economic sanctions against Russia have been discussed.

On March 5, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met with the foreign ministers of Britain, Germany and France to attempt to resolve the crisis.

On March 6, the Crimean parliament made a request to become part of the Russian Federation. Crimea planned to hold a referendum on March 16, whereby citizens could vote on the proposal. A Ukrainian government minister said it would be unconstitutional for Crimea to join Russia, and Western diplomats attempted negotiations to prevent Russia from launching a full invasion of Ukraine.

With the March 16 referendum, Crimea voted to secede from Ukraine and join Russia.

On March 27, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced a $14-18 billion loan agreement for Ukraine, tied to reforms. The U.S. Senate also approved $1 billion in loan gurantees, along with sanctions against Russia. The funding is designed to help stabilize the Ukrainian economy.

The United Nations on March 28 declared the March 16 referendum invalid, saying it violated the Ukrainian constitution. The U.N. said it will ignore Russian claims to Crimea. Meanwhile, Russia rejected the U.N. resolution, claiming it complicates efforts to resolve the crisis.

On March 28, President Obama and Putin spoke by phone. According to the White House, Putin called to talk about an American proposal "for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis," and the two presidents agreed that their respective top diplomats "would meet to discuss next steps." President Obama said a resolution to the crisis would be possible only if Russia pulls back its troops from Ukraine.

In mid-April, pro-Russian rebels (separatists) seized buildings in about 10 towns and cities across eastern provinces that represent Ukraine's industrial centers. In response, Ukraine's Acting President Olexander Turchynov announced the start of an "anti-terrorist operation" in the country's Donetsk region.

President Barack Obama urged Putin to make separatists in Donetsk and other parts of eastern Ukraine stand down. Many fear that the Ukrainian action against the separatists will trigger a full-scale Russian invasion.

On April 17, diplomats representing EU, Russia, the U.S. and Ukraine met in Geneva and agreed that all parties would refrain from "violence, intimidation, or provocative actions" and that all "illegal armed groups will be disarmed." In addition, all illegally seized buildings must be returned to legitimate owners; all illegally occupied streets, squares and other public places in Ukrainian cities and towns must be vacated.

In late April, the U.S. said Russia had failed to live up to an agreement to end the crisis, as promised on April 17. Ukraine has warned it will consider any crossing into its territory by Russian troops an invasion, and that they will respond with force.

Student discussion questions:

1. What is the history of Ukraine? How did it get where it is today?

2. What is Crimea's political history? What are Russia's interests there?

3. What is the danger of full-blown war in the region?

4. Why has the international community compared the situation in Crimea as similar to the 2008 conflict in Georgia, which resulted in South Ossetia breaking away from Georgia and being recognized as its own country?

5. What options does President Obama have in terms of a U.S. response? Why has the Crimean crisis been called the "most difficult foreign policy test of his presidency"?

6. How might the United States' reaction to the Crimean situation impact relations between America and the Middle East? How do Ukraine's economic challenges impact the world economy?

7. How successful have the international community's diplomacy efforts been thus far?

8. What is the situation like for people living in Crimea?

9. How did Crimeans view the March 16 referendum? How did their reaction contrast with the reactions of others in the international community?

10. What actions, and by whom, might help to de-escalate tensions between Russian separatists and the Ukrainian "anti-terrorist" forces that were deployed in mid-April?

Article by Celine Provini, EducationWorld Editor
Education World®
Copyright © 2014 Education World

Updated 04/25/2014

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Student Discussion Guide: Crisis in Ukraine

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Ukraine's new leaders have accused Russia of declaring war, and world leaders are urging a diplomatic solution. Here's what we know: The trouble started in late November 2013 when Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych rejected a trade agreement with the European Union (EU), instead choosing to maintain closer ties with Russia.

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We Are Teachers: Students Are Talking About Ukraine - Here’s How We Can Answer

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We Are Teachers: Students Are Talking About Ukraine - Here’s How We Can Answer

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"Russia started the invasion," I told my husband while continuing to scroll through TikTok. "There are videos from Ukraine showing Russian fighter jets flying overhead and missiles exploding nearby." What a strange time to be alive when we can watch a global conflict unfold in real-time. What makes this conflict a bit different from previous ones, however, is just how connected our students seem to be. While Ukraine and Russia discuss "people's republics" and economic sanctions, our students are on social media, and they're worried. Some worry this is the start of World War III. Others are afraid that they will graduate high school only to be drafted and sent to fight. If the conflict between Ukraine and Russia is a bit unclear for you, talking about it with your students might seem daunting. Here are some resources that may help:

A brief overview of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia

Ukraine became a nation after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Although independent, Ukraine remained closely connected to Russia. Russians make up the largest ethnic minority group in Ukraine, approximately 17 percent of the nation's population. Most of these individuals live in the eastern regions of the country. Many of them want to merge with Russia. In 2014, aided by Russian separatists in these eastern regions, Russia invaded Ukraine. It took over a section of the county called Crimea, which it continues to control today. Fighting has continued, albeit on a smaller scale, since 2014. The conflict has caused an estimated 14,000 deaths.

Beginning in March and April of 2021, Putin began moving Russian troops to the Ukrainian border. Global leaders quickly condemned these actions, but Putin was undeterred. On February 18th, he proclaimed that the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine were free "people's republics." This meant they were independent and no longer part of Ukraine. World leaders objected to this proclamation and began implementing economic sanctions against Russia.

On February 23rd, Russian troops invaded Ukraine and have begun trying to wrest control of the Donestk and Luhansk regions from Ukrainian control. Putin proclaimed that this was a necessary action to protect and "demilitarize" the newly "independent states." Putin also warned other nations not to become involved in the conflict. He stated that those who do will face severe consequences.

The United Nations Security Council wholeheartedly condemned Russia's actions and Putin himself for the aggressive move. The United States has sent several thousand troops to countries neighboring Ukraine. President Biden has stated that they are there, not to fight Russia, but in an attempt to dissuade Russia from further aggression and to provide support for our allies in the region.

@lisaremillard
#ukrainerussiaconflict UN Security Council confirms Russia invasion of Ukraine after Putin announced a "special military operation" late tonight.

♬ original sound - 📺The News Girl 📰

What students are worrying about

The biggest concern among teens seems to be the fear of being drafted . While many of them are dealing with their worries with humor, the fact that they're talking about it at all lets us know it is on their minds. Young men (and women!) are taking to TikTok to express their anger, fear, and confusion. The idea that they might finish high school only to end up drafted if the conflict between Ukraine and Russia escalates is weighing heavily on many young people. For others, the thought of rising gas prices, home heating, and food costs are a cause for anxiety. With things being financially tight for many Americans already, the idea of spending even more on basic goods and services could be devastating.

How to address student concerns

As teachers, we know that often our students come to us with their concerns. Despite our best efforts, answering their questions can be tricky . Especially when we don't have all the answers either! We can, however, give them a safe place to discuss things. Start by asking them what they've heard. If they're mostly getting their information from other's social media posts, there's probably some misinformation we'll want to address first. It can be reassuring to provide them with facts about what is really happening. We can reiterate President Biden's remarks about not sending Americans to war against Russia. For those concerned about a draft, a quick discussion about how a draft works might assuage fears. Be prepared with resources from your school and community to assist students facing economic hardships .

Additional resources you can use

The following articles are ideal for helping your students build their understanding of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, their understanding of the draft, and give some insight into what might happen next.

Ukraine and Russia

Student Concerns

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Students are on TikTok Talking About Ukraine-How Teachers Can Answer Their Questions

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"Russia started the invasion," I told my husband while continuing to scroll through TikTok. "There are videos from Ukraine showing Russian fighter jets flying overhead and missiles exploding nearby." What a strange time to be alive when we can watch a global conflict unfold in real-time.

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University of Florida: Conflict in Ukraine Resource Guide - Student Resources

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University of Florida: Conflict in Ukraine Resource Guide - Student Resources

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LibGuides: Conflict in Ukraine Resource Guide: Student Facing Resources

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This guide provides resources for teachers and parents that are appropriate for leading discussions about the conflict in Ukraine with children. Adapted from resources provided by NYC Department of Education, San Diego County Office of Education, and "Inv These resources are intended for students to directly engage with and include focus and discussion questions in the item descriptions.

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University of Florida: Conflict in Ukraine Resource Guide - Teacher Resources

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University of Florida: Conflict in Ukraine Resource Guide - Teacher Resources

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LibGuides: Conflict in Ukraine Resource Guide: Teacher Facing Resources

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This guide provides resources for teachers and parents that are appropriate for leading discussions about the conflict in Ukraine with children. Adapted from resources provided by NYC Department of Education, San Diego County Office of Education, and "Inv These resources are designed to help teachers navigate discussions with students.

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Larry Ferlazzo: The Best Teaching and Learning Resources About the Russia/ Ukraine Conflict

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Larry Ferlazzo: The Best Teaching and Learning Resources About the Russia/ Ukraine Conflict

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Here are resources useful for classroom resources on what's going on (I add new resources each day):

Lesson of the Day: 'Can the West Stop Russia From Invading Ukraine?' is from The NY Times Learning Network.

The Russia-Ukraine war crisis, explained by an expert is from MSNBC.

Four maps that explain the Russia-Ukraine conflict is from The Washington Post.

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been mounting. @Da_Pacific, Samu Granados and I look at maps maps maps of what's happened and where the conflict could be going https://t.co/gp7jpmUySj pic.twitter.com/lE4k2L7Jwp

- Michael Ovaska (@OvaskaOvaska) January 27, 2022

The Ukraine-Russia crisis explained: a complete visual guide is from The Guardian.

Ukraine and Russia explained in maps and charts is from Al Jazeera.

Lesson of the Day: 'The Invasion of Ukraine: How Russia Attacked and What Happens Next' is from The NY Times Learning Network.

Breaking News English Lesson: Ukraine Crisis is from Breaking News English.

The Ukraine Crisis is from Brown University.

In addition:

RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS, FAMILIES TO DISCUSS THE EVENTS IN UKRAINE WITH STUDENTS is from the San Diego Office of Education.

War Breaks Out. How Will Students Get News? is from Middleweb.

Putin's invasion of Ukraine, explained is from Vox.

This comes from Visual Capitalist, and you can see a larger version, with more information, at their site:

How to Talk With Students About the Russia-Ukraine War: 5 Tips is from Ed Week.

In Opinion

See four ways to think about Ukraine, in maps and charts from our Opinion graphics editors, that help show why it is so important to Europe and President Vladimir Putin, and how the invasion is already reverberating around the world. https://t.co/fN9s5GJDf4

- The New York Times (@nytimes) February 25, 2022

A historical timeline of post-independence Ukraine is from The PBS NewsHour.

Both Al Jazeera and The NY Times have live interactive maps tracking the Russian invasion. The Washington Post has one, too.

PROTESTS SPREAD IN RUSSIA: Thousands took to the streets to oppose Putin's invasion, risking beatings and arrests.
"I started feeling shame that I live in Russia," Fyodor Gurov, 22, said from a police van, where he was being detained.
By@INechepurenko https://t.co/r2sDxM3mt6

- Cliff Levy (@cliffordlevy) February 27, 2022

You can (and should), unapologetically advocate for the Ukrainian people's safety and peace AND you can call out the hypocrisy and racism on full display with the comparisons to other conflicts. They are not mutually exclusive. Let your sense of humanity be on full display.

- Ahmed Ali (@MrAhmednurAli) February 27, 2022

"The Ukrainians always came first, even though we Africans would be there for days and sometimes three days with no food. Everyone was just exhausted. Any time Ukrainians came, they told us to go back."
Our report from the Polish-Ukrainian border: https://t.co/IIuEWAI3JC

- Geoffrey York (@geoffreyyork) February 28, 2022

Russia's Invasion of Ukraine: A Forum for Young People to React is from The NY Times Learning Network.

As history unfolds in Ukraine, MMSD teachers adjust lesson plans is from The Cap Times.

Conflict in Ukraine Resource Guide is from The University of West Florida.

Educators, if you are looking for resources to prepare lessons on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, NYCDOE Social Studies and @Civics_For_All has curated a collection on the current crisis as well as ones to develop lessons for historical context. https://t.co/GjGbxajLY0 pic.twitter.com/LFLXb7RJCW

- Joe Schmidt (@HSGlobalHistory) February 27, 2022

So grateful for amazing educators working to put together resources to support teaching the situation in Ukraine. I started a collection - please share and add! Resources from @historysandoval @Larryferlazzo @MsGreeneEdu @mrfitzhist & more! https://t.co/HRaNaZkwZp pic.twitter.com/909ihHPF58

- Stephanie Sumarna (@StephSumarna) February 28, 2022

Did a #pairedtext analysis of visual texts with Ss today to explore the conflict in Ukraine. Let's dive in! 🤿 #LTT

Prompt: Compare/contrast how & why Putin & Zelensky use different styles of multimodal design to communicate with the public.

Ss blew me away! Highlights ⤵️ 1/6 pic.twitter.com/FXbxikUSxX

- Trevor Aleo (@MrAleoSays) February 28, 2022

8 Resources Teachers Are Using to Discuss Russia's Invasion of Ukraine is from Ed Week.

Why the Russia-Ukraine Crisis Is Relevant to Teachers is from Ed Week.

This reporting tonight from @sarasidnerCNN interviewing Black people at the border in #Ukraine describing the violent removal of Black people from trains seeking to leave the country is infuriating. This must be addressed @WHCOS @USAmbUN @SecBlinken pic.twitter.com/hv9vcvE9nS

- Sherrilyn Ifill (@Sifill_LDF) March 1, 2022

So @NPR's @AndrewLimbong has an excellent piece on the white supremacy embedded in some of the coverage out of Ukraine, on the horror of white people fleeing war and seeking asylum "this isn't some developing country" and so on

Have a listen https://t.co/oPRsjiZPb6

- Diaa Hadid ضياء حديد (@diaahadid) March 1, 2022

Teaching news literacy in the midst of unfolding crises is from The National Writing Project.

How to avoid being duped by false Ukraine information - and other news literacy lessons appeared in The Washington Post.

In videos and photos, a timeline of Russia's war on Ukraine is from The Washington Post.

How Finland held off the Russians and won a moral victory - with lessons for Ukraine is from The Washington Post.

How to responsibly donate to Ukrainian causes is from The Conversation.

Resources for Teaching About the Ukraine Crisis is from Share My Lesson.

Here are lesson plans from the PBS News Hour.

The New York Times obtained and verified video from inside the nuclear power plant that was attacked by Russian forces on Friday morning.

Reported w/@malachybrowne, @robinnyc7, @MarcSantoraNYT,@AngLiStories, @LucasLilieholm, & @dim109.

Read more here: https://t.co/fsRcDJSooW pic.twitter.com/APbEy6C1Ic

- Brenna T. Smith (@brenna__smith) March 5, 2022

Lessons From the War in Ukraine: A History Teacher Shares Her Approach is from Ed Week.

Russia/Ukraine slides are now live! 20+ slides w/ history, response from U.S. & allies, what might happen next, and discussion questions.

These will be continuously updated.

s/o @HughJRichards for the inspiration#edchat

Link https://t.co/DPSS59PFBm pic.twitter.com/3J03qmu8Et

- Max Tendero (@max_tendero) February 27, 2022

NATO, the Western mutual-defense alliance, is central to the war in Ukraine even though the country is not a member.

Here's what you need to know about the alliance and, in particular, the no-fly zone over Ukraine it has so far abstained from providing. https://t.co/kT1takxB3K

- The New York Times (@nytimes) March 7, 2022

Teachers help students navigate misinformation, emotions, history of war in Ukraine is from The L.A. Times.

Resources to Discuss the Events in Ukraine is from The San Mateo County Office of Education.

The Invasion of Ukraine: Resources for Educators and Families is from Colorin Colorado.

No, Time magazine didn't publish a Putin-Hitler cover, and other news literacy lessons is from The Washington Post.

Gen Z isn't immune to misinformation. These zoomers are making sure their peers don't get fooled. is from NBC News.

Teaching about the Ukrainian Refugee Crisis is from Facing History.

Using a New Cyber Tool, Westerners Have Been Texting Russians About the War in Ukraine is from The Wall Street Journal.

Preparing to Welcome Ukrainian Students is from Middleweb.

Fake News and the War in Ukraine: What Educators Need to Know is from Ed Week.

The viral images and videos that define Ukraine's political fight against Russia is from The Washington Post.

How Ukrainian children understand the war is from The Washington Post.

The Russian invasion has driven nearly 3 million people from Ukraine into neighboring countries, according to @Refugees https://t.co/2Puieh0VDV pic.twitter.com/wsGFOi5bP3

- Post Graphics (@PostGraphics) March 16, 2022

Why Some Teachers Have Students Studying Zelensky's Speech to Congress is from Ed Week.

TikTok Is Feeding My Students Fake News About Ukraine. How Can Truth Win? is from Ed Week.

Teaching Resources to Help Students Make Sense of the War in Ukraine is from The NY Times Learning Network.

I teach high school history. It's my job to help teens understand the war in Ukraine. is from Chalkbeat.

An Unlikely Tool Can Help Students Understand the Russia-Ukraine War: Sports is from Ed Week.

Why Vladimir Putin Invokes Nazis to Justify His Invasion of Ukraine is from The NY Times.

UKRAINE-RUSSIA WAR: LESSON PLAN / WORKSHEETS is from Active History.

Thank you @RussiaUN for your letter dated March 16.

Please see our suggested edits below. #StandWithUkraine #RespectTheCharter pic.twitter.com/0M663R0tUW

- Canada Mission UN #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 (@CanadaUN) March 17, 2022

Total refugees from Ukraine, compared to other countries is from Flowing Data.

This isn't history's most dangerous moment. Yet. is from The Atlantic.

Here are teaching resources specifically related to supporting Ukrainian refugee students from Books Unbound and from Twinkl.

Two former republics of the Soviet Union - Russia and Ukraine - are once again in conflict.
Here are some pivotal moments in the years leading up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 - plus a look at their relationship in the 20th century. https://t.co/DVhjg6DPkv

- The New York Times (@nytimes) March 26, 2022

UKRAINE EDUCATOR & OTHER RESOURCES is from The Academy For Human Rights.

Millions of Ukrainian children are still in school despite the war is from NPR.

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The Best Teaching & Learning Resources About The Russia/Ukraine War

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Here are resources useful for classroom resources on what's going on (I add new resources each day): Lesson of the Day: 'Can the West Stop Russia From Invading Ukraine?' is from The NY Times Learning Network. The Russia-Ukraine war crisis, explained by an expert is from MSNBC.

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San Diego COE: RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS, FAMILIES TO DISCUSS THE EVENTS IN UKRAINE WITH STUDENTS

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San Diego COE: RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS, FAMILIES TO DISCUSS THE EVENTS IN UKRAINE WITH STUDENTS

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Resources for Educators, Families to Discuss the Events in Ukraine with Students

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To help students better understand this event and to place it in a broader context, we’ve gathered history-social science, mental health, and social and emotional learning resources to support teachers and families in helping students process these current events.

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heystacks: 10 minute narrated presentation

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heystacks: 10 minute narrated presentation

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https://heystacks.org/doc/1104/assembly-what-is-happening-in-ukrainepptx

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A short (10 min) narrated presentation about the current conflict in Ukraine, looking at the present day and the complicated history between Russia and Ukraine. Feel free to use if of use in assembly or form time :)

Resources

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Assembly - What is happening in Ukraine.pptx - 🟧heystacks

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A short (10 min) narrated presentation about the current conflict in Ukraine, looking at the present day and the complicated history between Russia and Ukraine. Feel free to use if of use in assembly or form time :) - 🟧heystacks

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A great way to help students get a deeper understanding of the locations being referenced.

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Drag and drop countries around the map to compare their relative size. Is Greenland really as big as all of Africa? You may be surprised at what you find! A great tool for educators.

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This musical time machine lets you listen to music from different locations and decades. You could use it to have students listen to the music of Ukraine.

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Based on a Twitter Thread by Trevor Aleo found here :https://twitter.com/MrAleoSays/status/1498392990850691081

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Invasion of Ukraine - IN THE NEWS Resources - Feb 2022

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Teachers help students with Russian Ukraine war misinformation Los Angeles Times

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a set of questions/tasks/topics that you, the researcher, wish to walk a research participant through in order to reach your learning objectives

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a set of questions/tasks/topics that you, the researcher, wish to walk a research participant through in order to reach your learning objectives

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At least 68 people have been killed in the military operation launched by Russia on Ukraine. Ukrainian forces also claim they have killed around 50 Russian occupiers

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At least 68 people have been killed in the military operation launched by Russia on Ukraine. Ukrainian forces also claim they have killed around 50 Russian occupiers

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Ukraine officially declared itself an independent country on 24 August 1991, when the communist Supreme Soviet (parliament) of Ukraine proclaimed that Ukraine would no longer follow the laws of the USSR and only the laws of the Ukrainian SSR, de facto declaring Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union.