‘What’s going on in Ukraine?’
This assembly will be focused on the current conflict in Ukraine and will address: 1. The history of the relationship between Russia & Ukraine 2. Some of the reasons behind the current conflict 3. What to do if you’re worried/ would like to ask questions about this.
What shall I do if I am worried/ want to talk?
iamnotok@rodingvalley.net Family / Trusted adults Staff in school School is a safe place to… Speak to each other about current topics in an ‘educated’ space. Talk about any concerns you may have.
Subject Keyword.
From: originates from the general Slavic word for 'borderland', 'frontier region'
Ukraine MEANING Ukraine definition, a republic in southeastern Europe: rich agricultural and industrial region. 223090 sq. mi. (603700 sq. km). Capital: Kyiv.
After World War 2 Russia and the United States were involved in a Cold War. The world split between the two sides in fear of nuclear war. Russia at that time was known as the USSR. A communist superpower. Western Europe was on the US’ side in an organisation called NATO. Both sides feared invasion. Russia controlled several countries on its border to act as a buffer against the threat of NATO forces.
After the USSR collapsed Russia lost this buffer zone. NATO remained. NATO expanded as you can see here.
President Putin is aware of this geography.
It is believed that Putin has escalated the conflict to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO.
Look at this map of the European Union. The light yellow countries are original countries. The darker yellow countries are ones that joined in 2004. Notice a pattern? Ukraine want to join the EU. Ukraine used to be part of the USSR. It has close cultural ties with Russia. Ukraine wants to keep its independence and exist as a free, democratic country.
This is what you have been seeing on the news & on social media.
How has NATO (the West) responded? Major Western nations have reacted with outrage at Russia's invasion of Ukraine, accusing it of bringing war back to Europe.
Western nations are vowing to impose severe sanctions. Boris Johnson has unveiled a new package of sanctions against Kremlin banks, oligarchs and overseas interests. Key term:
Oligarch Definition: A very rich business leader with a great deal of political influence.
Where shall I find information on this issue? News - Trusted sources like BBC, Newsround.
Don’t believe everything you read/ see on social media. Social media platforms are designed to keep us scrolling…
What shall I do if I am worried/ want to talk?
iamnotok@rodingvalley.net Family / Trusted adults & Staff in school