The fast moving crisis in Ukraine is threatening the stability of that country. Nationalists are fighting the elected government. The unrest is tied to Ukraine’s past as part of the former Soviet Union. Listen to this story with your students to understand the history of the conflict.
Story Length: 5:28
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April 3, 2017
3:37
Thousands of Russians took to the streets this week in Moscow and other cities to demand the resignation of Russian prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev. Ten thousand people showed up to protest in St. Petersburg and about 20,000 people joined protests in Moscow, making this the largest anti-government protest the country has seen in years. Anti-corruption activist and government opposition leader Alexei Navalny organized the nationwide protests after publishing an investigation that alleged serious corruption charges against the prime minister. Listen to learn more about the mass protests and the motivations behind them.
Read MoreMay 14, 2014
4:40
Post-Revolution Ukraine is starting a “lustration,” or a process of cleaning house to separate from the old regime. Some believe that this is a type of witch hunt, but others think that the heavy hand is needed for Ukraine’s new, clean start.
Read MoreMarch 18, 2014
4:28
Residents of Crimea, which is a part of Ukraine, voted to secede and join neighboring Russia. In response, citizens in the capital of Ukraine are preparing to use military force to prevent any action by Russia. Citizens are afraid that one day Ukraine will lose more territory to Russia.
Read MoreFebruary 25, 2014
4:35
Peacocks and ostriches in his private zoo. Marble floors and crystal chandeliers in a mansion. Ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych left behind an estate that has shocked the people of Ukraine. While he claimed to live modestly, he actually lived in an extravagant estate which has a personal golf course and a zoo of exotic animals. Anti-government protesters hope to keep the outrageous estate intact as evidence against the former president.
Read More