The War Between Russia and Ukraine

May 13, 2026, 19:13
AsiaPolitics

Introduction

Russia and Ukraine are fighting. Now, neither side is winning more land. The United States is changing its plans.

Main Body

Ukraine makes some of its own weapons. But it still needs help from other countries. The US is sending missiles to other places. This makes missiles more expensive for other nations. Russia has a new, big missile. It is called the Sarmat. President Putin says it is very strong. Russia might use this missile to scare other countries. Some people think the war will stop after the US elections. Russia wants Ukraine to leave some areas first. But Russia has money problems, so they might stop fighting soon.

Conclusion

The war continues. The future depends on the US elections and Russia's new weapons.

Learning

💡 The Power of 'BUT'

In the text, we see the word 'But' used to change the direction of a sentence. At the A2 level, this is your best tool for connecting ideas.

How it works: Idea A →\rightarrow [Contrast] →\rightarrow Idea B

Examples from the text:

  • "Ukraine makes weapons →\rightarrow But it needs help."
  • "Russia wants land →\rightarrow But Russia has money problems."

Simple Rule: Use 'But' when the second part of your sentence is a surprise or the opposite of the first part.

🛠️ Vocabulary: 'Strong' vs 'Expensive'

Notice how the article describes things:

  • Strong = Powerful (The missile)
  • Expensive = Costs a lot of money (The missiles for other nations)

These are essential A2 adjectives to describe objects and situations.

Vocabulary Learning

fighting (v.)
to have a fight or war
Example:The soldiers were fighting in the front line.
winning (v.)
to succeed in a competition or argument
Example:She was winning the debate with her clear points.
land (n.)
the ground or territory
Example:They captured new land during the battle.
plans (n.)
ideas or arrangements for future actions
Example:The United States made new plans for peace.
weapons (n.)
tools used to cause harm or defend
Example:Ukraine makes its own weapons to protect itself.
help (v.)
to give assistance
Example:The country needs help from other nations.
countries (n.)
nation states
Example:Many countries are watching the conflict.
missiles (n.)
projectiles launched from a weapon
Example:The US is sending missiles to other places.
places (n.)
locations
Example:They are moving the missiles to safer places.
expensive (adj.)
costing a lot of money
Example:Missiles have become more expensive for other nations.
new (adj.)
not old; recently made
Example:Russia has a new, big missile.
big (adj.)
large in size
Example:The missile is very big and powerful.
strong (adj.)
having power or force
Example:President Putin says it is very strong.
people (n.)
human beings
Example:Some people think the war will stop after the elections.
war (n.)
a conflict between nations
Example:The war between Russia and Ukraine is still going on.
stop (v.)
to cease or end
Example:Some people think the war will stop after the US elections.
elections (n.)
process of choosing leaders
Example:The future depends on the US elections.
wants (v.)
desires or needs
Example:Russia wants Ukraine to leave some areas first.
leave (v.)
to go away from
Example:Ukraine must leave the contested areas.
areas (n.)
parts or regions
Example:Russia wants Ukraine to leave some areas first.
money (n.)
currency used for transactions
Example:Russia has money problems.
problems (n.)
difficulties or issues
Example:Russia has money problems, so they might stop fighting soon.
continue (v.)
to keep going
Example:The war continues despite the negotiations.
future (n.)
time that is yet to come
Example:The future depends on the US elections and Russia's new weapons.
depends (v.)
to be influenced or controlled by
Example:The war's outcome depends on diplomatic efforts.