Podcast
Questions and Answers
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukraine did not threaten Russia's security.
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukraine did not threaten Russia's security.
False
The attack on Ukraine was provoked by Ukraine.
The attack on Ukraine was provoked by Ukraine.
False
No Russian civilians have been killed in the conflict.
No Russian civilians have been killed in the conflict.
True
Ukraine's military outnumbers Russia's military.
Ukraine's military outnumbers Russia's military.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is considering defeat.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is considering defeat.
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Russia has not levied any sanctions against Ukraine's leaders and oligarchs.
Russia has not levied any sanctions against Ukraine's leaders and oligarchs.
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The Russian military has proven to be efficient and highly motivated.
The Russian military has proven to be efficient and highly motivated.
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Mariupol is a city in western Ukraine.
Mariupol is a city in western Ukraine.
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Russia's main motive for capturing Mariupol is to gain control over Ukraine's capital city.
Russia's main motive for capturing Mariupol is to gain control over Ukraine's capital city.
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The UN and Red Cross did not help any civilians escape from Mariupol.
The UN and Red Cross did not help any civilians escape from Mariupol.
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Study Notes
Russia's Assault on Ukraine
- Russia's assault on Ukraine began on February 24, with Russian President Vladimir Putin falsely claiming Ukraine threatened Russia's security.
- The attack was entirely unprovoked.
Human Toll
- As of mid-May, over 3,000 Ukrainian civilians, including 235 children, have been killed by Russian bombs and soldiers.
- The actual number is likely much higher, but unknown until the fighting stops.
- Russians have been breaking international rules of conflict, destroying residences, schools, hospitals, factories, and shelters, and targeting women, children, and the elderly.
Refugees and Displaced People
- Over 5.1 million people have fled Ukraine, seeking refuge in nearby countries, Europe, and North America.
- Another 7.7 million have left their homes but remain in the country.
- These refugees and displaced people make up more than one-quarter of Ukraine's pre-war population of 44 million.
Russian Military Losses
- About 40,000 Russian soldiers have been wounded or killed out of an invasion force of around 150,000.
- These losses are a major setback for Mr. Putin, who expected to be victorious in just days.
Ukraine's Response
- Ukraine has shown great grit and resilience, determined to beat back the invaders.
- Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has declared "We are fighting for our children's freedom and therefore we will win."
- Many Western nations have rallied behind Ukraine, providing intelligence, weapons, and financial aid to help the besieged country.
Mariupol's Last Stand
- Mariupol, a city in southeastern Ukraine, has been all but destroyed by Russian forces and bombs.
- Russia controlled the city as of May 10, with its residents having no food, medicine, and other necessities for weeks.
- The Russians have two main motives for capturing Mariupol: creating a land corridor between the Crimean Peninsula and the Donbas Region, and taking over the export hub to strangle Ukraine's economy.
Future of the War
- Military specialists believe Mr. Putin wants to strengthen his army's positions in southeastern Ukraine, expecting more strikes on civilian targets in this area.
- He is focusing on two eastern sections: Luhansk and Donetsk, running from Mariupol in the south.
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Description
Learn about the Russian assault on Ukraine that started on February 24, and its devastating human toll. Discover the facts behind the attack and its consequences.
