It is the eleventh day of war in Ukraine. Civilians are trying to flee their country in any way they can, but it is extremely dangerous to even try. Russian forces seem not to care about civilian casualties, and many civilians have already been killed. Their indiscriminate artillery and missile bombardment of city centers constitute war crimes, many say. Despite the danger, over a million refugees have fled to Poland and other neighboring NATO countries.
The Ukrainian military, together with a fervent civilian resistance movement, have repelled the invaders on multiple fronts. Inspired by their president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, they have thwarted the Russians effectively since the war started. The president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, faces global criticism over his decision to start the invasion.
The world admires the fortitude demonstrated by the people of Ukraine. NATO countries have been sending lethal aid to Ukraine to be used to fight the Russians. But NATO will not engage in the fighting directly with Russia because it is afraid that it may trigger World War III. NATO has implemented strong economic sanctions against Russia as well as targeted sanctions on its president and its super-rich oligarchs, but so far it has not made any difference.
How long can NATO stand back and watch this humanitarian crisis unfold? The people of NATO countries who are watching this tragedy on television may influence their political leaders to do more if it becomes deadlier to civilians, particularly women and children. But the best thing that could happen is a political agreement between Russia and Ukraine that would implement an immediate ceasefire. Let's all hope and pray that it happens soon.
Vocabulary
Flash Card Drill-
The indiscriminate attacks on the civilian population was terrible to see.民間人に対する無差別の攻撃は見るのもひどいものでした。
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The German artillery destroyed the French town in less than a day.ドイツの大砲は1日足らずでフランスの町を破壊しました。
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The bombardment of the Ukrainian capital is a crime against humanity.ウクライナの首都への砲撃は人道に対する犯罪です。
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Mary was a fervent supporter of art and culture at the university.メアリーは大学で芸術と文化の熱烈な支持者でした。
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The plot to remove the president was thwarted at the last moment.大統領を解任する計画は最後の瞬間に阻止された。
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The shipwrecked sailors had the fortitude to survive despite the lack of food and water.難破した船員達は、食料と水が不足しているにもかかわらず、生き残るための不屈の精神を持っていました。
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The sanctions imposed on the government of Russia were very harsh.ロシア政府に課せられた制裁は非常に厳しいものでした。
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Many oligarchs in Russia were dealt personal sanctions on their businesses and possessions.ロシアの多くの新興財閥である独裁者達は、彼らの事業と所有物に対して個人的な制裁を与えられました。
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Like a lot of people, I've watched the events of the last few days unfold on TV.多くの人と同じように、私はここ数日の事件がテレビで展開されるのを見てきました。
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A ceasefire was agreed upon in order to evacuate civilians from the town.町から民間人を避難させるために停戦が合意された。
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The effort to repel the invaders was successful until yesterday, when things took a turn for the worse.侵略者を撃退する努力は、事態が悪化した昨日までは成功していました。