Ukraine Less Reliant on U.S., Former Ambassador Says
Former U.S. Ambassador William Taylor argues that Ukraine is less dependent on American support. Students examine his reasoning, consider Europe’s role and explore aid data in this PBS lesson.
From Share My Lesson: How can students test an expert’s argument about a country’s reliance on its allies? Use this PBS News Hour Classroom lesson to examine the different forms international support can take. As students watch, ask them to identify evidence they could check against the aid data in the lesson’s activity.
Warm-Up Questions
- How might a rift between America and Ukraine benefit Putin and Russia, according to former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor?
- What caused President Zelensky to resume strikes on Russian oil refineries?
- Where does Ukraine receive much of the support that has made it less reliant on America?
- When does William Taylor believe the next Ukrainian elections should take place?
- How long were Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries halted?
Essential Questions
Taylor argues that Ukraine is in “better shape” because it is less dependent on the United States. How can becoming less dependent on a powerful ally better their position? What does it mean for America’s global reputation to loosen support for Ukraine?
Media literacy: How might Taylor’s background as a former ambassador to Ukraine influence his interpretation on events? Could you think of another type of speaker that might balance perspectives on the situation?
What Students Can Do
Explore the Kiel Institute’s Ukraine Support Tracker, which compares military, financial, and humanitarian aid from the United States, Europe, and other countries.
- First off, what is the Kiel Institute, and why do you think it was recommended here?
- Which countries or regions provide Ukraine with the most support?
- Does the evidence support Taylor’s claim that Ukraine is becoming less dependent on the United States? Why or why not?
- What surprised you about the data?
More Resources for Teaching About Ukraine
Help students connect this discussion of international support to the people and history behind the headlines. Explore 10 Resources for Teaching About the War in Ukraine for lessons on Ukraine’s independence, young people’s experiences and the choices governments face in responding to Russia’s invasion.
Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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