Zelensky Asks Europe for More Money to Help Ukraine
Listen to the story
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a new appeal to European countries for financial help. He said, "We need more money, much more," as the war against Russia continues.
Zelensky's request comes at a time when Ukraine still depends on support from Western allies to keep fighting and to rebuild damaged areas of the country.
French President Emmanuel Macron also commented on the situation. He called for calm, saying that Russia was trying to provoke Europe and increase tension.
Meanwhile, celebrations took place in Ukraine, although the summary does not give exact details about what was being celebrated.
Separately, reports explain why Kiev is trying to obtain new anti-missile systems. These defence systems are designed to shoot down missiles before they hit their targets.
Ukraine has faced repeated missile and drone attacks from Russia during the war, which is why strengthening its air defences remains a key priority for the government.
Zelensky's appeal shows that, even after years of conflict, Ukraine still needs strong financial and military support from its European partners.
European leaders have not yet given a detailed public response to this latest request, according to the available information.
Vocabulary10 words
- appeal
- a strong public request for help
- calm
- a quiet state without anger or panic
- provoke
- to try to make someone angry or react
- anti-missile
- made to stop missiles from hitting a target
- defence
- systems or actions used to protect a country
- financial
- related to money
- military
- related to soldiers and weapons
- ally
- a country that helps another country
- tension
- a feeling of danger or stress between groups
- conflict
- a serious disagreement, often with fighting
Quiz
Answer key
1. More money 2. Russia was trying to provoke Europe 3. To protect against missile attacks
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a new _____ to European countries for financial help. He said, "We need more money, much more," as the war against Russia continues.
Zelensky's request comes at a time when Ukraine still depends on support from Western _____ to keep fighting and to rebuild damaged areas of the country.
French President Emmanuel Macron also commented on the situation. He called for _____, saying that Russia was trying to _____ Europe and increase tension.
Meanwhile, _____ took place in Ukraine, although the summary does not give exact details about what was being celebrated.
Separately, reports explain why Kiev is trying to obtain new _____ systems. These defence systems are designed to shoot down missiles before they hit their targets.
Ukraine has faced repeated missile and drone attacks from Russia during the war, which is why strengthening its air _____ remains a key priority for the government.
Zelensky's appeal shows that, even after years of _____, Ukraine still needs strong financial and military support from its European partners.
Discussion questions
- Why might Ukraine need more financial help after years of war?
- What could European countries do to support Ukraine further?
- Why is air defence important for a country during a war?
- How might calls for calm from leaders like Macron affect international relations?