NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
It was an extraordinary scene in the Oval Office as President Trump made a public break with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. The two presidents and Vice President Vance argued for nearly five minutes in front of cameras. The heated back-and-forth could have profound effects on Ukraine and its defense against Russia's invasion and the U.S. relationship with Europe.
If time allows, read Fact-checking Trump and Vance’s attacks on Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who were the three leaders in the Oval Office discussing Russia's war in Ukraine?
- When did the meeting take place?
- Why was President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House?
- What were the leaders discussing? At what point did the main argument break out?
- How did Russia respond to the meeting in the White House?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
- Why do you think the meeting in the Oval Office got so combative? What do you think should have happened instead? What steps need to happen next?
Media literacy: The U.S. and Ukraine have been long-time allies. What information do you need to know as to why the Trump administration has taken such a turn in its support of Ukraine?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Learn more about the history of Russian's war in the Ukraine. Examine these perspectives about the war following the meeting in the Oval Office.
A. Brooks and Capehart on the implications of Trump's altercation with Zelenskyy
B. Timothy Snyder is one of the country's leading historians of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union who has written widely on Ukraine, Russia and the war:
C. Former U.S. ambassador on Zelenskyy’s next moves after Oval Office blowout
D. Some of President Trump's fervent allies stood behind his actions in the Oval Office with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. But Ukraine supporters within the Republican Party have expressed concerns about how the meeting played out and fear it could derail further negotiations with the country. Watch Amna Nawaz's discussion with one of those GOP lawmakers, Rep. Mike Lawler, here.
Additional resources
Check out the Council on Foreign Relations Education website to learn about the war in Ukraine and its history here. Get Background on the War in Ukraine, History and Concepts, Europe and NATO, Nuclear Issues and more.
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