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.
- War in Ukraine: Global Conflict Tracker
- Ukraine: Conflict at the Crossroads of Europe and Russia | Council on Foreign Relations
- What Does Putin Really Want in Ukraine? | Council on Foreign Relations
- How Much U.S. Aid Is Going to Ukraine?
- Ukraine’s Struggle for Independence in Russia’s Shadow
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.
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.
What Does the Future Hold for Ukraine?
Learn about where the conflict may be headed with the latest analysis from CFR.
- Partners in Peacemaking: How the United States and Europe Can End the War in Ukraine
- Defending Ukraine in the Absence of NATO Security Guarantees
- Securing Ukraine’s Future: What Should the United States Do?
CFR Education, the educational arm of the Council on Foreign Relations, helps middle, high school, and higher education students understand and engage with today’s most pressing global issues. With over 800 free, nonpartisan, multimedia teaching and learning resources, CFR Education’s supplemental materials help students gain the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to navigate today’s interconnected world. CFR Education also provides professional development and programming opportunities to support educators as they take on this crucial work.