Russia's Problems After the Victory Day Parade

May 11, 2026, 08:40
EuropePolitics

Introduction

Russia had a parade in Moscow. This event shows if Russia is still strong and if its leader is okay.

Main Body

The parade was small. Russia did not show big tanks or missiles because they fear drones from Ukraine. Only a few friends from other countries came to the event. Russia's economy is growing slowly. It grew 4 percent in 2024, but now it is only 1 percent. Also, Armenia does not want to follow Russia. Armenia now talks to the USA and Europe. People are worried about President Putin. He looks sick and tired. He has more security guards near him than before. This makes people think he is not healthy.

Conclusion

Russia has less money, fewer friends, and a leader who looks sick.

Learning

📉 The 'Less' and 'Fewer' Secret

In the text, we see: "Russia has less money, fewer friends".

When you want to say there is a smaller amount of something, you have two choices:

  1. FEWER →\rightarrow Use this for things you can count (1 friend, 2 friends, 3 friends).

    • Example: Fewer tanks. Fewer people. Fewer countries.

  2. LESS →\rightarrow Use this for things you cannot count (money, time, water).

    • Example: Less money. Less power. Less time.

🛠️ Word Building: 'SICK' vs 'HEALTHY'

Look at the opposites used in the story:

  • Sick (Bad health) ↔\leftrightarrow Healthy (Good health)

A2 Tip: To make these stronger, use "very" or "not".

  • He is very sick.
  • He is not healthy.

💡 The 'If' Bridge

*"This event shows if Russia is still strong..."

Use IF when you are not sure about the answer. It connects a situation to a question:

  • I don't know if it will rain.
  • We check if the leader is okay.

Vocabulary Learning

parade
A public procession, especially for a special occasion.
Example:The school had a parade to celebrate the holiday.
event
Something that happens, especially something important.
Example:The concert was a big event that attracted many fans.
strong
Having power or force.
Example:She is a strong swimmer and can hold her breath for a long time.
leader
A person who leads or commands.
Example:The team’s leader made sure everyone followed the plan.
small
Not large; little.
Example:They live in a small house near the park.
friend
A person you like and trust.
Example:I invited my friend to the movie night.
country
A nation with its own government.
Example:Japan is a country in East Asia.
economy
The system of producing and using money and goods.
Example:The economy grew by 3% last year.
percent
A part of a whole expressed as a hundred.
Example:Ten percent of the students are absent.
people
Human beings in general.
Example:People in the city enjoy the new park.
worried
Feeling anxious or concerned.
Example:He was worried about the exam results.
sick
Not healthy; ill.
Example:She stayed home because she felt sick.
tired
Feeling exhausted or needing rest.
Example:After the long trip, he was very tired.
security
Protection from danger or threat.
Example:The security at the airport was very strict.
guards
People who protect or watch over something.
Example:The guards checked everyone’s tickets.