1. For UKRAINE, give the following information:

1. capital
2. location/the countries that share its borders
3. the religious breakdown of the population
4. the type of government
5. the chief of state (and head of government if different) If monarch or dictator, since what date has he/she ruled? – include name of heir apparent for monarch
6. the population

Find the answers at the CIA World FactBook website. For each country, answers can be found under the “Geography” “People” and “Government” headings.

NOTE: Before answering the questions below, read the info under “Background” and “Resources” below.

2. For UKRAINE:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Describe the latest aggression from Russia against Ukraine that began in April.
c) What additional support is the U.S. giving Ukraine following the hand-over of the two decommissioned cutters?
d) What steps is the UK taking as its part of the NATO effort to build up Ukraine’s maritime defenses? What is the purpose of these actions?
CHALLENGE: Between Feb-March 2014, Russia annexed (forcefully seized control of) the Ukraine’s Crimea region. Read the remainder of this article (which is posted under “Background” below) for a better understanding of the challenges Ukraine faces in defending itself against the aggressions of Russia.