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 across our digital learning platforms 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.
Europe and NATO
Dig into critical context on NATO’s origins and European history.
Nuclear Issues
Learn more about Ukraine’s recent history with nuclear weapons.
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.
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.