Current:Home > InvestThe ripple effects of Russia's war in Ukraine continue to change the world -Zenith Investment School
The ripple effects of Russia's war in Ukraine continue to change the world
View
Date:2025-04-12 11:39:44
A year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine sparked the largest conflict in Europe since World War II, the repercussions continue to reverberate around the world. Not only has the war in Ukraine set off a geopolitical realignment, but it has caused economic hardship far from the epicenter of the fighting.
The Feb. 24, 2022, invasion has touched off a refugee crisis, as Ukrainians flee the conflict in their homeland and many Russian men seek to avoid conscription. Meanwhile, it has spurred a process toward expanding NATO, with Finland and Sweden pursuing membership after decades of official neutrality.
Ukraine and Russia are key exporters of wheat, barley, corn and cooking oil, particularly to African and Middle Eastern countries. Turkey and the United Nations brokered a deal last summer to allow Ukrainian grain to pass through Black Sea ports, but Russia is reportedly still hindering shipments. Russia is also a major producer of fertilizer and petroleum. Disruptions to the flow of these goods are compounding other supply chain and climate challenges, driving up food and gas prices and causing shortages in places such as Chad, Tunisia and Sri Lanka.
More than 8 million refugees have fled Ukraine in what the World Health Organization describes as "the largest movement of people in the European Region since the Second World War." Many have been involuntarily relocated by Russia. Others have put a strain on resources, as well as schools and hospitals, in Poland and Germany.
A 21st century war in Europe — led by a nuclear power — is pushing the world toward realignment. It has rattled NATO, the European Union and the U.N., forcing countries to take sides in ways that have led to escalating tensions and diplomatic shifts. For example, Turkey, despite being a NATO member, has increased trade with Russia since the start of the war and has thrown up objections to allowing Sweden and Finland into the alliance.
Russia is one of the world's largest producers of oil and fuel. European countries have banned the Russian oil, gas and diesel they relied on, which initially caused a steep spike in prices. However, moves by European nations to lock in alternative sources, along with conservation efforts and a mild winter, have largely alleviated those price hikes. Now prices have returned to pre-invasion levels.
Russia has more nuclear weapons than any other country. Its attack on Ukraine has notably reenergized NATO, with the U.S. and other member states funneling tens of billions of dollars worth of military equipment into Ukraine. Early weapons deliveries included anti-tank rockets such as the U.S.-made Javelin. In the latest moves, the U.S., Germany and Britain have promised to provide state-of-the-art tanks.
NPR's Will Chase, Alex Leff, Pam Webster, Desiree F. Hicks and Nishant Dahiya contributed to this report. The text and graphics build on previous work by Alina Selyukh, Connie Hanzhang Jin and Nick Underwood.
veryGood! (194)
Related
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Virginia gun-rights advocates rally at annual ‘Lobby Day’ amid legislators’ gun-control push
- More CEOs fear their companies won’t survive 10 years as AI and climate challenges grow, survey says
- What is so special about Stanley cups? The psychology behind the year's thirstiest obsession
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Live updates | Qatari premier warns of massive destruction, says ‘Gaza is not there anymore’
- Beyonce? Ariana Grande? Taylor Swift? Which female artists have the biggest potty mouths?
- Stock market today: Asian shares sink as jitters over Chinese markets prompt heavy selling
- The city of Chicago is ordered to pay nearly $80M for a police chase that killed a 10
- Estonian police arrest Russian university professor for allegedly spying for Moscow
Ranking
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Washington state sues to block merger of Kroger and Albertsons
- How to watch and stream the 75th Emmy Awards, including the red carpet
- What Pedro Pascal Had to Say About Kieran Culkin at Emmys
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
- Cowboys' latest playoff disaster is franchise's worst loss yet in long line of failures
- The 23 Most Fashionable Lululemon Finds That Aren’t Activewear—Sweaters, Bodysuits, Belt Bags, and More
- Ali Wong and Bill Hader Enjoy Award-Worthy Date Night at Emmys 2023 After-Party
Recommendation
All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
What does FICA mean? Here's how much you contribute to federal payroll taxes.
Rebel Wilson opens about recent 30-pound weight gain amid work stress
Emmys 2023: Matthew Perry Honored With Special Tribute During In Memoriam Segment
Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
Another lawyer for Kremlin foe Navalny faces extremism charges. She had left Russia
Hulk Hogan steps in to help teen girl in Florida multi-car crash over the weekend
Why AP called Iowa for Trump: Race call explained