Ukraine Marks Independence Day as Macron Urges Calm Amid Russian Provocation
Listen to the story
Ukraine celebrated a special day this week. It was Ukraine's independence day.
At the same time, Russia is still fighting a war against Ukraine. Russia often makes new provocations.
French President Emmanuel Macron asked everyone to stay calm. He does not want the situation to get worse.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to European leaders. He asked for more money for Ukraine.
He said, "We need more money, much more." Ukraine needs help to continue fighting the war.
Other countries that support Ukraine are called allies. These allies want to show they support Ukraine.
They said the European Union must take responsibility for its own defense.
This means Europe wants to protect itself better. It does not want to depend only on other countries.
The war between Russia and Ukraine continues. Many countries are watching the situation closely.
Vocabulary6 words
- independence
- being free; not controlled by another country
- provocations
- actions that try to make someone angry
- calm
- quiet; not worried or angry
- allies
- friends who help you
- European Union
- a group of European countries that work together
- defense
- protecting yourself from attack
Quiz
Answer key
1. Independence day 2. Stay calm 3. More money
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Ukraine celebrated a special day this week. It was Ukraine's _____ day.
At the same time, Russia is still fighting a war against Ukraine. Russia often makes new _____.
French President Emmanuel Macron asked everyone to stay _____.
He does not want the situation to get _____.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to European _____.
He asked for more _____ for Ukraine.
He said, "We need more money, much _____."
Other countries that support Ukraine are called _____.
They said the European Union must take _____ for its own defense.
The war between Russia and Ukraine _____.