专题17 War in Europe-高中英语【外刊·新闻·热点】素养提升拓展阅读课

War in Europe 外刊新闻精品阅读和练习 Sources: bbc.com, aljazeera.com Frida (A silouette of soldiers fighting on a wall painted in the colors of the Ukrainian flag ) 1. Have you or anyone you know served in the military? When and where? 2. Read the headline above. Have you heard this news story? If so, say what you know. If not, can you guess what it’s about? WARM-UP QUESTIONS: Discuss the following questions with your partner(s). Last week, Russia invaded Ukraine, starting the biggest war in Europe since the end of World War Two. Russian forces, in large numbers, attacked from the north, east and south, coming by air, by sea, and over land. The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has long complained about the expansion of NATO toward Russian territory. According to Putin, the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO is a threat to Russian security. He has also argued that Ukraine is rightfully a part of Russia. Ukrainians are determined to defend their country. The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is visible in the media and has made frequent requests to the international community for help. The Ukrainian military called up reservists aged 18 to 60, and along with the air force, has been slowing the Russian advance. Ukrainian civilians have moved into subway stations and bunkers for protection. People have expressed shock at the outbreak of war in Europe after a long period of peace. The European Union, the United States, and other countries have reacted with financial sanctions on Russian banks, certain industries, and key individuals. As well, several countries are sending supplies and weapons to assist Ukraine. However, not wanting to directly go to war with Russia, other countries are not sending their own soldiers to fight alongside Ukrainians. There have already been civilian and military deaths in the conflict, and there are expected to be many more. An already tragic situation has the potential to become far worse if other countries join the conflict, e