Resources on the War in Ukraine

CFR Education’s mission is to empower young people with the essential knowledge, skills, and perspective to be responsible citizens and navigate the news. We’ve assembled a list of resources to help students understand what’s happening in Ukraine—and why it matters.

Background on the War in Ukraine

For background on the causes, trajectories, and consequences of the war, check out these references from CFR.

• Ukraine: Conflict at the Crossroads of Europe and Russia | Council on Foreign Relations
• What Does Putin Really Want in Ukraine? | Council on Foreign Relations 

History and Concepts

Review Russia’s recent history of incursions into Ukraine, including its annexation of Crimea in 2014.

• Russian Interventions in Georgia and Ukraine Reignite Tensions 
• What Is Armed Force? 

Europe and NATO

Dig into critical context on NATO’s origins and European history.

• NATO: The World’s Largest Alliance 
• Regions of the World: Europe module 
• How Did the Cold War Stay Cold? 

Nuclear Issues

Learn more about Ukraine’s recent history with nuclear weapons. 

• The History of Nuclear Proliferation 
• The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty 

International Law and Norms

Get up to speed on the laws and norms that form the backbone of international relations, and what happens when countries—like Russia—break the rules.

• What Is the Liberal World Order? 
• Laws, Norms, and Democratic Backsliding 
• What Is Sovereignty? 
• How Self-Determination Shaped the Modern World 
• Understanding the Constructive and Destructive Natures of Nationalism 
• Tanks, Sanctions, and Separatists: The Various Challenges to Sovereignty 

Mini Simulations About Ukraine

Explore specific issues around the war in Ukraine with your students using these mini simulations.

• Negotiating Ukrainian Security in 1993
• Defending Ukraine | CFR Education
• Defining an Acceptable Outcome in Russia’s War in Ukraine | CFR Education
• Trusting Security Assurances | CFR Education

Extended Simulations Related to Russia and Ukraine

For a multi-day, project-based dive into issues around Russia and NATO, try one of our extended simulations.

• Russia and NATO in the Baltics
• NATO Enlargement in 1993

CFR Education leverages the knowledge of Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) experts to make complex global affairs and foreign policy issues accessible for middle school, high school, higher education students and educators.