Relevant History
In what year did the first major act of aggression start
2014
In a speech following the full-scale invasion, Putin identified this military alliance’s expansion as a major grievance.
NATO
This military alliance has served as the main pillar of European security since the end of the Cold War.
NATO
A generally neutral source...
CNN
This principle says countries have the right to control their own land and government
Sovereignty
The peninsula is Russia took over first
Crimea
Putin gave a speech explaining the invasion on this date
February 21, 2022
This country wanted to join NATO before the conflict and worked toward meeting membership criteria.
Ukraine
The wording makes the decision sound reasonable and strategic, talking about negotiation rather than blame
The right side
The war has pushed Russia closer to this major world power
China
The land Russia push for in order to advance along the southern coast
Kyiv
Putin's speech challenged the legitimacy of this identity existing independently of Russia.
Eastern Slavic identity
This NATO clause would require all members to defend one country if it were attacked.
Article 5
This framing reflects left-leaning media values by
Questioning authority and stressing the need for peaceful solutions over military strength
Russia has used this resource as a political weapon, especially against Europe
Natural gas (energy supplies)
A strategy that each country relied on more
Defensive positions
According to Putin, NATO’s movement toward Eastern Europe posed this type of threat to Russia.
Security threat
If Article 5 was triggered, NATO will..
Give aid and participate in the war itself
The article from Democracy Now: “Russia and U.S. Fail to Reach Compromise to End the War in Ukraine” shows a left-leaning perspective by
Focusing on the failure of diplomacy and criticizing powerful countries
The conflict highlights a global struggle between democratic and authoritarian systems of government
Democracy vs. authoritarianism
The war became about...
Endurance, resources, and international support
In his speech, Putin questioned the lawfulness of this group’s independent identity outside of Russia
Eastern Slavs
Even after meeting requirements, Ukraine did not complete this step before the conflict.
Officially joining NATO
On the right side, the Fox News headline focuses on the U.S. not criticizing Russia and presents it as part of
A peace-seeking strategy by the Trump administration
Disruptions to Ukraine’s exports of this product have caused global food shortages and higher prices, especially in poorer countries
Grain (wheat)