France, UK and Germany Condemn Russian Attacks on Civilians in Ukraine
Listen to the story
France, the United Kingdom and Germany have condemned Russian attacks on civilians in Ukraine, describing them as "systematic".
The term "systematic" suggests these attacks are not random, but follow a repeated and planned pattern. The three countries have not given further details about specific attacks.
At the United Nations (UN), Ukraine's representative has criticised the Security Council for failing to take real action. He said there were "no concrete measures" to stop the violence.
The Security Council is the part of the UN responsible for keeping international peace. It can vote on actions against countries that break the rules, but its decisions can be blocked by powerful member states.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is celebrating an unspecified event, according to reports. At the same time, French President Macron has called for calm, saying that Russia is trying to provoke a stronger reaction.
This mix of celebration and warning shows the complicated situation Ukraine faces. While there may be positive news for the country, tensions with Russia remain high.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has lasted for a long time, and Western countries continue to discuss how to respond to Russian actions. France, the UK and Germany appear to be increasing pressure on Russia through public statements, even as questions remain about what practical steps the international community will take next.
Vocabulary8 words
- condemn
- to say strongly and publicly that something is wrong
- civilian
- a person who is not a soldier
- systematic
- done again and again, following a clear plan
- United Nations
- a large group of countries working together for peace
- Security Council
- the UN group that deals with peace and safety between countries
- concrete measures
- clear, real actions, not just words
- calm
- a quiet, peaceful state, without anger or panic
- provoke
- to try to make someone react, often in anger
Quiz
Answer key
1. Systematic 2. The lack of concrete measures from the Security Council 3. He calls for calm
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
France, the United Kingdom and Germany have _____ Russian attacks on civilians in Ukraine, describing them as "systematic".
The term "systematic" suggests these attacks are not random, but follow a repeated and _____ pattern.
At the United Nations (UN), Ukraine's representative has criticised the Security _____ for failing to take real action.
He said there were "no concrete _____" to stop the violence.
The Security Council is the part of the UN responsible for keeping international _____.
It can vote on actions against countries that break the rules, but its decisions can be _____ by powerful member states.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is celebrating an unspecified _____, according to reports.
At the same time, French President Macron has called for calm, saying that Russia is trying to _____ a stronger reaction.
This mix of celebration and warning shows the complicated _____ Ukraine faces.
France, the UK and Germany appear to be increasing _____ on Russia through public statements.
Discussion questions
- Why might countries use strong words like "systematic" to describe attacks?
- What problems can arise when a Security Council cannot agree on action?
- Why do you think leaders call for calm during tense moments in a war?
- What kinds of pressure, besides words, can countries put on each other?