Ukraine's Strikes Hit Russia's Economy, Allies Say
Listen to the story
A group of countries that support Ukraine, known as the "Coalition of the willing", has confirmed its backing for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to this group, Ukraine's military strikes against Russia are proving effective. The strikes are described as painful for Russia because they damage the country's economic fabric, meaning the deeper structures that keep its economy working.
An unnamed source explained that these attacks are causing real harm by hitting parts of the Russian economy that are hard to replace quickly.
In Ukraine, the news has been met with celebration, as people see the strikes as a sign of progress in the war against Russia.
However, French President Emmanuel Macron has urged calm. He warned that Russia may be trying to provoke other nations into a stronger reaction.
Macron's comments suggest concern that the situation could escalate if countries respond in a way that increases tension.
The story reflects wider debate over how far international support for Ukraine should go, and how to respond to Russian actions without causing further conflict.
For now, the Coalition of the willing appears determined to continue backing Ukraine, while European leaders like Macron try to keep the situation from spiraling into a wider crisis.
Vocabulary6 words
- Coalition of the willing
- a group of countries working together for a shared goal
- strikes
- military attacks on a target
- fabric
- the basic structure that holds something together
- provoke
- to deliberately try to cause anger or a reaction
- support
- help given to someone or something
- escalate
- to become bigger or more serious
Quiz
Answer key
1. They are damaging Russia's economy 2. With celebration 3. Everyone should stay calm
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A group of countries that support Ukraine, known as the _____ of the willing, has confirmed its backing for Ukrainian President Volodymyr _____.
According to this group, Ukraine's military _____ against Russia are proving effective.
The strikes are described as painful for Russia because they damage the country's economic _____.
An unnamed source explained that these attacks are causing real harm by hitting parts of the Russian economy that are hard to _____ quickly.
In Ukraine, the news has been met with _____, as people see the strikes as a sign of progress.
However, French President Emmanuel _____ has urged calm.
He warned that Russia may be trying to _____ other nations into a stronger reaction.
The story reflects wider debate over how far international support for Ukraine should _____.