Why did Russia invade Ukraine? It’s been almost 5 months since Ukraine was officially invaded by Russia, the reason as to why the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin decided to invade is still unclear. To begin the answer to that question, we have to understand Putin’s quite literal obsession with Ukraine. On July 12, 2021, Vladimir Putin published the essay, “On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukranians.” In this essay, Putin begins with stating that “Russians and Ukranians were one people” and that is firmly what he believes. It is known historically that Russians, Ukranians, and Belarusians were all once united as Ancient Rus. Putin goes on about how closely tied Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus were, hundreds of years go. This goes on for about a couple pages and ends with, “How can heritage be divided between Russia and Ukraine?”
Apart from ancient history, Putin also goes on to explain Ukraine’s economy, GDPs and IMF reports. Putin makes it known that Ukraine is Europe’s poorest country. Who’s to blame for this? Ukrainian Authorities. At this point, Putin is just going off on Ukraine and their government, pretty much blasting them. Putin loves the people of Ukraine. On one page, he even calls the people of Ukraine, “hardworking and talented.” Putin denies the existence of Ukraine as an independent country. Along with that, the essay is literally just him explaining history.
On the last page of this essay, Putin states, “We respect the Ukrainian Language and traditions. We respect Ukrainians’ desire to see their country free, safe and prosperous.” By no means does Putin dislike the People of Ukraine. But he wants a unification between Ukraine and Russia. “Together we have always been and will be many times stronger and more successful. For we are one people.”
So now that we got context and somewhat of an answer to the motivation behind the invasion, we need to talk about how it affects us. Why do we need to worry? How will the average person be affected? For starters, gas prices. Joking, but that is one of the many things that a conflict between Ukraine and Russia has brought. The first thing that has already started to impact us has been inflation. Gas and energy prices have spiked up, along with food prices. Russia was the largest petroleum provider to the US and the US having implemented a ban on Russian oil imports has made gas and energy prices spike to prices as high as 6 dollars. If the independence of Ukraine doesn’t make you worry, I’m sure gas prices will. Apart from gas prices, food prices have also gone up. One of Ukraine’s biggest exports is wheat. Farmers in Ukraine will be planting as much as two-thirds less wheat, if Ukraine’s main export route remains blocked. This will prolong the global food crisis.
Price increases on food, gas and energy, what’s next? If you’re a farmer, listen up. A fertilizer shortage has already begun to take place. Ukraine produces low cost, high quality fertilizers. Interference of those shipments due to sanctions and war has skyrocketed these prices. The high prices of fertilizer along with unavailable fertilizer means that crops won’t get as much nourishment. Due to this, food shortages and price increases are expected. The Russia-Ukraine war has already begun to affect us economically. Price increases and inflation have already begun taking place and if we don’t do something about it, it will likely keep increasing.
War will always affect the economy worldwide, and while most people think that it isn’t something we should worry about, it is definitely something we need to stand up to and try to solve together.
Arantza Vazquez – Nazareth Academy – DMSF Class of 2026
Image Credits: War Economy Definition (investopedia.com)