The Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Humanitarian Concerns and International Community Reactions
After weeks of denying a possible invasion of Ukraine, on Thursday, February 24th 2022, Russia invaded. The Russian incursion remains fluid with the civilian death toll already in the hundreds and projected to rise.
Russia has targeted civilian sites within Ukraine which included a strike on a nuclear power plant. Even though the reactors weren’t damaged, and radiation at the plant is at normal levels it nonetheless underscored how volatile the situation remains in Ukraine. While the Ukrainian military has fought valiantly, they are no match for the much stronger and larger Russian forces.
What did Russia do?
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:
Russia beefs up assaults in key cities, raising fears of more civilian deaths
CNN
March 1, 2022
https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/01/europe/ukraine-russia-invasion-tuesday-intl-hnk/index.html
Russia steps up onslaught after Ukraine ‘narrowly’ escapes nuclear disaster
THE GUARDIAN
March 4, 2022
Russian rockets pound Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city
REUTERS
March 1, 2022
The ICC says it will open an investigation into alleged war crimes in Ukraine
NPR
February 28, 2022
https://www.npr.org/2022/02/28/1083598057/icc-ukraine-investigation
News Articles (Analyses):
Ukraine conflict: Could the fighting spread across Europe? And other questions
BBC NEWS
February 28, 2022
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-60560769
Locals in Ukraine breakaway regions recount short-lived joy, hope
ALJAZEERA
March 1, 2022
U.S. officials: Russian escalation in Ukraine could lead to humanitarian crisis
POLITICO
February 28, 2022
‘Yes, He Would’: Fiona Hill on Putin and Nukes
POLITICO
February 28, 2022
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/02/28/world-war-iii-already-there-00012340
Assessment:
Writing: What humanitarian concerns have arisen in Ukraine?
Debate: What is best way to deter Russia from doing something similar in the future?
Poll: Should the international community be doing more to help Ukraine?
Short Answer: What are the ramifications of Russia invading Ukraine?
QUIZ:
Ukraine’s military is equal to that of Russia’s. (T/F)
Hundreds of civilians have died in Ukraine. (T/F)
Western nations have sent Ukraine weapons. (T/F)
What has been the international community’s reaction to Russia for their invasion of Ukraine?
- Support.
- Outrage.
- Apathy.
- Sympathy.
How have European countries and the U.S. responded to Russia for their invasion of Ukraine?
a. Imposed sanctions.
b. Declared War.
c. Cut off diplomatic ties.
d. Threatened nuclear war.
All the following Ukrainian targets have been bombed by the Russians EXCEPT.
a. Hospitals.
b. Schools.
c. Nuclear power plants.
d. Residential areas.
