exam practice

Economist Pretend to Negotiate: As of August 2025, which of the following is NOT one of Putin's current demands that must be met before Russia agrees to a ceasefire?

• Ukraine's permanent exclusion from NATO

• US acknowledgement of Russia's occupation of Crimea

• Removal of Western sanctions on Russian oil

• Presidential elections in Ukraine to remove Zelensky from power

Economist Pretend to Negotiate: Aside from its failure to make substantial territorial gains in Ukraine over the past year, what does the article claim is currently the largest concern for Putin?

• Diminishing stock of ammunition. Ukrainian drone strikes on weapons depots are estimated to have taken out roughly 10% of Russia's total supply of small ammunitions.

• Lack of cohesion and communication between Putin and high-ranking Russian military officials

• Economic uncertainty and an impending recession. Russia has already overshot it's deficit for 2025, and it is becoming more difficult to shield the Russian population from the economic costs of the war.

Economist: Is It Safe?- Despite President Trump explicitly ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine on August 19th, what contradictory statements has he made over the past month that has caused confusion for Ukraine and its European allies?

• During his summit with Putin on August 15th, reporters claim that Trump told a staffer that he believed Ukraine joining NATO would be the most effective way to prevent a wider regional conflict with Russia.

• On August 18th, Trump repeated a claim made by Steve Witkoff saying that "article 5-like protections" could be on the table for Ukraine

• On August 17th, Trump liked a tweet from Emmanuel Macron which said that Ukraine would one day be apart of the alliance

Economist: Is It Safe?- If a British and French led coalition of the willing were to be deployed to Ukraine, what kind of support from the United States would be most necessary to ensure its success?

• US aerial support

• Additional US surface to air missile systems

• Additional tank munitions

• The sharing of US intelligence and logistical support

Economist: Terror Trade- Roughly how many fighters does ISKP currently have?

• 20,000

• 4,000-6,000

• 9,000

• 8,000

Economist- Terror Trade: In order to continue cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts, what demands has Pakistan presented to the US?

• A pause in weapons sales to India

• Acknowledgement of India's alleged backing of separatist groups in Pakistan and the buy-back of American weapons left in Afghanistan

• US military presence on it's border with Afghanistan to prevent insurgents from entering the country

Economist- Icelandic Defense: Because they do not have a conventional military, what does Iceland rely on instead of an army?

• A small number of British and Canadian troops stationed permanently at the naval air station in Keflavik.

• A small rotation of NATO AWACS planes that monitor activity around Iceland's undersea cables.

• It's small coastguard, which possesses three helicopters, two ships, and one airplane

• It's volunteer police force.

Economist- Icelandic Defense: What measures is Iceland expected to take to boost its defense capabilities and protect its territorial integrity?

• Raising defense spending to 1.5% of its GDP and joining the European Union

• Raising defense spending to 1.5% of its GDP and requesting an additional 3 yearly NATO Icelandic Air Policing rotations

• Raising its defense spending to 1.5% of GDP and introducing a referendum to establish an air force

• Raising its defense spending to 1.5% of GDP and inclusion into NATO's nuclear sharing program

Economist- Flight of the Flamingo: Roughly how long has it taken Ukraine to begin mass production of the Flamingo cruise missile?

• 2 years

• 5 months

• 9 months

• 1.5 years

Economist- Flight of the Flamingo: Which of the following is NOT true about the Flamingo cruise missile?

• It has a range of 3,000km

• It is extremely fast and expected to be successful in evading Russian radar detection

• Each missile will cost under $1.2m

• The body is made of fibreglass