Russia Threatens Ukraine
Ukrainian officials are increasingly sounding the alarm bells that Russia may invade their country. In a show of force, the Russian military has amassed around 100,000 troops, tanks, and weapons along its border with Ukraine. The Russian saber-rattling includes supporting rebels who oppose the Ukrainian government and holding joint military exercises with neighboring Belarus.
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been high ever since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea. Russia claims that it has no such intention of invading Ukraine, despite its actions.
What actions has Russia taken towards Ukraine?
INSTRUCTORS: click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.
Videos:
News Articles:
Blinken: Russia wants to divide Ukrainian society
BBC NEWS
January 19, 2022
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60048395
Blinken to travel to Ukraine amid fears of Russian invasion
ALJAZEERA
January 18, 2022
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/18/blinken-travels-to-ukraine-amid-fears-of-russian-invasion
Ukraine warns Russia has ‘almost completed’ build-up of forces near border
CNN
January 19, 2022
https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/18/europe/ukraine-intelligence-russia-military-build-up-intl/index.html
As tension over Ukraine continues, Russia says it has no plans to stage an attack
NPR
January 19, 2022
News Articles (Analyses):
Erdogan Warns Russia Against Invading Ukraine
THE MOSCOW TIMES
January 18, 2022
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/01/18/erdogan-warns-russia-against-invading-ukraine-a76074
UK defense minister warns of ‘consequences’ if Russia invades Ukraine
THE GUARDIAN
January 15, 2022
Analysis: Best supporting actor? NATO in secondary role if Russia invades Ukraine
REUTERS
January 18, 2022
U.S. slams Russian troop moves in Belarus as Ukraine crisis deepens
POLITICO
January 18, 2022
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/01/18/blinken-europe-ukraine-russia-tensions-527257
Assessment:
Writing: Why is Russia so concerned about Ukraine joining NATO?
Debate: What should be the consequences if Russia invades Ukraine?
Poll: Should the U.S. send troops to Ukraine?
Short Answer: What is the significance if Russia were to invade Ukraine?
QUIZ:
Ukraine is a member of NATO. (T/F)
Russia has a history of violating the sovereignty of Ukraine. (T/F)
US President Joe Biden has threatened to send troops to Ukraine if Russia invades. (T/F)
Why is Russia threatening to invade Ukraine?
a. To acquire natural resources.
b. To prevent expansion of NATO.
c. To combat terrorism.
d. To gain access to new markets.
Which of the following countries has Russia recently held joint military exercises with?
a. Belarus
b. United Kingdom
c. China
d. Austria
All the following are true concerning ways Western countries have aided Ukraine against Russian aggression EXCEPT.
a. By providing money.
b. By providing weapons.
c. By providing troops.
d. By providing intelligence.
