Understanding the Russia-Ukraine War 

We've curated a selection of articles, books and movies that can help you to navigate the Russia-Ukraine war from an informed place.

We're your source for reliable, current and relevant information that you can trust. Access to download or borrow all content is free with an RHPL card. Any person who lives, works or goes to school in York Region is eligible for a free RHPL card. 

Help Ukrainian Refugees

An estimated 25% of Ukrainian refugees settle in York Region. Want to know how you can help? Find resources for people affected by the conflict in Ukraine on York Region's People Affected by the Conflict in Ukraine page.

Need more help? Access the support of a Librarian through chat, email or phone.

Current News Articles

With your RHPL card, you get access to the latest news content through The New York Times and PressReader. PressReader gives you access to The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, London Free Press, Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, La Razon, and many, many more news sources from around the world.

Access PressReader 

Access The New York Times

 

Content For Families and Classrooms

If children in your life want to know more about what is going on, Explora helps to provide background information and up-to-date articles. Some examples of useful articles and encyclopedia entries include:

• Read to better understand Russia's attack
• Crisis in Ukraine: Overview 
• Vladimir Putin 
• Ukraine 

Click on "Institutional Login" and follow the prompts to access Explora with your RHPL card. Kids can also check our Brittanica for detailed background information on the countries involved. 

You can also explore these eBooks for kids, available through Hoopla: 

• Kids eBooks about Russia
• Kids eBooks about Ukraine 

Movies with the National Film Board

These films are free to watch while you're in our branches – all you need to do is create a free account with the National Film Board.

• New Home in the West, 14 mins. Traces the journey of the first Ukrainian settlers in Canada.
• Freedom Had a Price, 55 mins. Story of Ukrainian immigrants in Canada after WWI

Further Reading and Research

Gale OneFile has access to peer-reviewed articles and magazine articles from around the world. Access articles from academic journals about Russia and Ukraine on Gale OneFile here.

Use the Topic Finder feature in Gale OneFile by searching for a general topic, like “Ukraine." Topic Finder will suggest related topics and more specific search terms.

Britannica Looking for simple background knowledge of the countries involved? Britannica has encyclopedic information for kids, young adults, or adults. Choose the age level you would like, then use the search function to find information about each country, NATO, and more. Access Britannica here.

Canadian Business and Current Affairs provides you with access to hundreds of full-text, general-interest periodicals.