Putin Orders Troops into Ukraine
Ask Students: How have Ukrainians reacted to news of the potential invasion? Why did Putin order the current invasion? How did the U.S. react?
Summary
Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized as independent two separatist regions of Ukraine Monday, and hours later ordered Russian troops to conduct what the Kremlin called a “peacekeeping operation” in those regions. After Putin’s earlier moves, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union all announced targeted sanctions, aiming to use economic leverage to persuade Russia to end invasion plans.
Discussion Questions
- When did Russian president Vladimir Putin order Russian troops into separatist regions of Ukraine?
- What are the reasons many suspect Russia intends to invade all of Ukraine, not just separatist regions?
- How have Ukrainians reacted to news of the potential invasion?
- Why did Putin order the current invasion?
- How has the U.S. taken action to try to precent further invasion of Ukraine?
Focus Questions
The U.S. and allies have threatened sanctions against Russia if invasion goes forward, including cutting off trade with the country and making it impossible for targeted Russian citizens from accessing funds they might have overseas. Do you think sanctions might help prevent Russia from invading Ukraine? Why or why not?
Additional Resource
For more on sanctions and the impact they might have on decision-making of Russian officials, watch the video below.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS NewsHour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories.
