Odesa is a significant port city located on the Black Sea in Ukraine. Lately, Russian missiles and drones have attacked the city. Svitlana, a warehouse shift manager, recalls the tragic moment when her coworker died due to a missile explosion nearby. Even though she is injured and walks with a limp, Svitlana continues to work diligently. Unfortunately, the normally bustling port is now quiet, with very few ships arriving. The sound of sirens and drones has become common, making the workers feel anxious and tense. In July alone, there were 57 attacks on civilian ships and port facilities, resulting in the sinking of a Turkish cargo vessel that killed nine crew members. The situation has become extremely dangerous, and some workers feel that being at the port is scarier than being on the front lines of war. They have very little time to seek shelter if a missile is approaching, and they all want a safe work environment.
B1 · Intermediate · 158 words · ~1 min
Word notebook · B1
Tap a highlighted word in the text, or study the list below.
- significant
- important or meaningful
- tragic
- sad and unfortunate
- diligently
- working hard and carefully
- facilities
- buildings or places used for a specific purpose
- shelter
- a place to be safe from danger
Comprehension check · B1
Finished reading? See how much stuck.
1.What has recently happened in Odesa?
2.What does Svitlana remember?
3.How are the workers feeling at the port?
















































