Analysis of a Military Conflict
Objective: This worksheet aims to teach students about the ongoing military conflict in a war region, fostering an understanding of its background, international responses, impact on civilians, and ongoing peace efforts.
Content and methods: The worksheet initiates engagement by prompting students to reflect on audio content related to emails from a war zone, encouraging emotional response and personal connection to the topic. Subsequently, it provides detailed background information on one specific conflict. It also describes international responses, including aid, sanctions, and calls for peace, and highlights the humanitarian impact. The worksheet concludes by outlining various peace initiatives, such as those by the UN and EU, and mediation efforts. Throughout, it uses questions to assess comprehension of key events, international reactions, and the conflict's impact, and encourages critical thinking about peace efforts.
Competencies:
- Reading comprehension
- Analysis of historical and current events
- Understanding of international relations
- Empathy and critical reflection on humanitarian crises
- Evaluation of peace efforts
Target group: From year 8 onwards
66 other teachers use this template
Target group and level
From year 8 onwards
Subjects
Analysis of a Military Conflict
E-mails from a war zone
Listen to the following email conversation between two teenagers.
Background knowledge about the conflict
Now read the following information about the conflict and answer the related questions.
War in Ukraine
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The ongoing war in Ukraine began in February 2014, following Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity. This revolution led to the ousting of the pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych. Shortly after, Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatist movements in Eastern Ukraine, specifically in the Donbas region. This conflict, known as the Donbas war, involved Russian-backed militants declaring independence for the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).
Historically, Ukraine and Russia have had various conflicts, especially after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Russia's annexation of Crimea and its support for separatists in Eastern Ukraine reignited these tensions. The situation escalated dramatically in 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking the largest conflict in Europe since World War II.
External parties have played significant roles in this conflict. Many countries, including those in NATO, have provided military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The United States and European Union imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its actions. Additionally, organizations like the United Nations have called for peace and condemned the invasion.
As of now, the war remains unresolved, with ongoing battles and territorial disputes. Both sides have suffered significant casualties and destruction. The conflict has led to a refugee crisis, with millions of Ukrainians displaced from their homes. International efforts continue to seek a peaceful resolution, but stability remains elusive.
Peace efforts
Ukraine has been experiencing a conflict since 2014, which intensified in 2022. This has caused a lot of suffering. Various peace initiatives are ongoing to help end the violence and restore peace.
One major effort is led by the United Nations (UN), which is calling for a ceasefire and encouraging dialogue between the Ukrainian government and the Russian forces. The UN is also providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict and stressing the need to protect civilians.
Another important initiative is from the European Union (EU). The EU is supporting peace talks and imposing sanctions on Russia to pressure them into stopping the violence. They are also helping Ukraine with financial and military aid to strengthen its defense.
Additionally, countries like Turkey and France are mediating between the two sides, trying to find a peaceful solution. They are organizing meetings and encouraging both sides to negotiate and find common ground.
These efforts are crucial for ending the conflict and ensuring that people can live in peace and safety. While progress is challenging, these initiatives provide hope for a better future for Ukraine.
