NOTE TO STUDENTS: Before answering the questions, read the “Background” and watch the videos under “Resources” below.

1. What is NATO? What is the purpose of NATO?

2. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. List the who, what, where and when. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

3. What is Zapad-2025?

4. What is the purpose of Zapad-2025?

5. What NATO countries border Belarus?

6. How did Russia respond to accusations that their drone incursions were a deliberate provocation and "very aggressive"?

7. President Trump has been trying for months to negotiate a full peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. He has imposed American sanctions on Russia, and vowed to place even stronger sanctions on them (to force Putin to negotiate peace with Ukraine).
During his first term, at a 2018 NATO summit, Trump accused Germany of being "totally controlled by Russia" due to its gas imports. He argued that Germany was enriching Russia through its energy payments while depending on the U.S. for military protection.

News reports have not been not highlighting the fact that while the U.S. is imposing sanctions on Russia, many European countries are buying oil from them.

Putin has been using the profits from the oil Russia sells to NATO and others to fund his war against Ukraine. Economic sanctions have been successful in the past, but as President Trump points out, will not work if the NATO nations who expect U.S. protection should Russia invade, continue to do business with them.

President Trump conducts foreign policy sometimes in unconventional ways - by letting the citizens know what is going on. Supporters say they like the way the president handles matters - including with foreign leaders. Many American foreign policy experts, liberals and conservative ideologues are critical of his methods.

a) What do you think?

b) Ask a parent the same question.

CHALLENGE: Follow this ongoing story for updates on how NATO countries respond to Trump's call for sanctions on Russia, and whether this has any effect on ending the war.