Problems Between Russia and Ukraine Before Victory Day

May 8, 2026, 22:09
AsiaInternational

Introduction

Russia and Ukraine are fighting. They tried to stop the fighting before the May 9 holiday in Moscow, but they did not agree.

Main Body

Russia and Ukraine did not trust each other. Russia wanted to stop the war for two days. Ukraine said this was a lie. Then, US President Donald Trump helped them stop fighting for three days. They traded 1,000 prisoners. But the fighting continued. Drones hit energy buildings in Russia. Russia changed the big parade in Red Square. They did not show tanks or big guns. They were afraid of Ukrainian drones. Russia also stopped some internet in Moscow. Only a few leaders from other countries came to the city. Russia spends a lot of money on its army. Other parts of the economy are bad. The EU tried to hurt Russia with rules. But Russia made money from oil. Also, the EU still buys gas from Russia because they need energy.

Conclusion

The situation is still dangerous. The US tried to help, but the two countries are still angry.

Learning

The 'Past' Pattern

Look at how the text tells a story about things that already happened. To move to A2, you need to master the Simple Past.

1. The Regular Pattern (-ed) Most words just need an 'ed' at the end to go back in time:

  • Try →\rightarrow Tried
  • Want →\rightarrow Wanted
  • Change →\rightarrow Changed

2. The Rule-Breakers (Irregular) Some words change completely. You must memorize these:

  • Are →\rightarrow Were
  • Do →\rightarrow Did
  • Make →\rightarrow Made

3. The 'No' Pattern (Negatives) To say something did NOT happen, we use did not + [base word]. Notice the verb doesn't change to the past form here:

  • Incorrect: They did not agreed.
  • Correct: They did not agree.
  • Correct: Russia did not show tanks.

Vocabulary Learning

fighting (n.)
the act of fighting or conflict
Example:The fighting stopped after the holiday.
stop (v.)
to bring to an end
Example:They tried to stop the fighting.
agree (v.)
to have the same opinion
Example:They did not agree.
holiday (n.)
a day of celebration or rest
Example:May 9 is a holiday.
money (n.)
currency used for buying goods
Example:Russia spends a lot of money on its army.
army (n.)
a group of soldiers
Example:Russia has a large army.
economy (n.)
the system of buying and selling in a country
Example:Other parts of the economy are bad.
rule (n.)
a regulation or law
Example:The EU tried to hurt Russia with rules.
gas (n.)
a liquid that turns into vapor and is used for heating
Example:They still buy gas from Russia.
dangerous (adj.)
likely to cause harm
Example:The situation is still dangerous.
help (v.)
to give assistance
Example:The US tried to help.
angry (adj.)
feeling strong displeasure
Example:The two countries are still angry.
city (n.)
a large town
Example:Moscow is a city.
leaders (n.)
people who lead or command
Example:Only a few leaders came to the city.
internet (n.)
a global computer network
Example:Russia stopped some internet in Moscow.
buildings (n.)
structures with a roof and walls
Example:Drones hit energy buildings.
parade (n.)
a public procession
Example:Russia changed the big parade.
tanks (n.)
large armored vehicles used in war
Example:They did not show tanks.
guns (n.)
firearms
Example:They did not show guns.
afraid (adj.)
feeling fear
Example:They were afraid of Ukrainian drones.
drone (n.)
an unmanned aircraft
Example:Ukrainian drones flew over Russia.
energy (n.)
power or fuel
Example:They need energy.
oil (n.)
a liquid used for fuel
Example:Russia made money from oil.
May (n.)
the fifth month of the year
Example:May 9 is a holiday.
tried (v.)
attempted to do something
Example:They tried to stop the fighting.