Is this the biggest event of our lifetime? Russia has invaded Ukraine. The world is following the story closely. But how will it affect us?
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War in Ukraine: A step-by-step guide
Is this the biggest event of our lifetime? Russia has invaded Ukraine. The world is following the story closely. But how will it affect us?
X
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1. What is happening in Ukraine?
A war has started in UkraineA country in Eastern Europe. It was invaded by Russia in February 2022. . Last week, RussiaThe largest country in the world by area. It has a population of 144 million people. invadedWhen an army enters a country or place to take it over. . Cities in Ukraine have been attacked. One is the capital city, KyivThe capital of Ukraine..
2. Why has Russia invaded?
Russia and Ukraine are neighbours. In the past, Ukraine was ruled by Russia. Now, many Ukrainians want to be closer to the US, the UK and the EU.
But the president of Russia, Vladimir PutinRussia's ruler since 2000. He is a strong opponent of the West., does not agree. He does not think Ukraine should be its own country.
3. Who is trying to stop him?
Ukrainians. Many ordinary people have joined the army. Others are helping make weapons.
A group of countries called NATOThe North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was founded in 1949 to unite Western democracies in Europe and North America against the perceived growing threat of the USSR. It now has 31 members. is also trying to stop Russia. They have set strict rules about how Russians can use their money. NATO hopes this will make life much harder for Russia.
4. What about life in Ukraine?
Schools have closed. People have to stay inside. Some roads have tanks on them. There are army planes flying over cities.
Thousands of people have decided to leave the country. When you run away from your country because it is no longer safe, you are a refugeePeople who are forced from their countries because war or persecution.. Countries in Europe have said they will welcome the refugees.
5. How does this affect me?
There is no fighting going on in other countries. If you do not live in Ukraine, you will be safe. But your life might still change. Your town might welcome refugees. You might hear people talking about petrol becoming more expensiveCosts a lot of money. .
There will also be lots of fake news about the war online. It is important to read stories on websites you trust - or ask a teacher or parent if you are unsure about something.
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Is this the biggest event of our lifetime?
Yes. Since World War Two, powerful countries have agreed to live in peace. Putin has broken the rule. This is very big news.
No. There are lots of other big stories that affect us. We have had Covid. And there is the climate crisis. We should think of the people in Ukraine. But we should not spend too much time worrying - it will not make us feel better.
Keywords
Ukraine - A country in Eastern Europe. It was invaded by Russia in February 2022.
Russia - The largest country in the world by area. It has a population of 144 million people.
Invaded - When an army enters a country or place to take it over.
Kyiv - The capital of Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin - Russia's ruler since 2000. He is a strong opponent of the West.
Nato - The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was founded in 1949 to unite Western democracies in Europe and North America against the perceived growing threat of the USSR. It now has 31 members.
Refugee - People who are forced from their countries because war or persecution.
Expensive - Costs a lot of money.
War in Ukraine: A step-by-step guide
© Getty Glossary
Ukraine - A country in Eastern Europe. It was invaded by Russia in February 2022.
Russia - The largest country in the world by area. It has a population of 144 million people.
Invaded - When an army enters a country or place to take it over.
Kyiv - The capital of Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin - Russia’s ruler since 2000. He is a strong opponent of the West.
Nato - The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was founded in 1949 to unite Western democracies in Europe and North America against the perceived growing threat of the USSR. It now has 31 members.
Refugee - People who are forced from their countries because war or persecution.
Expensive - Costs a lot of money.