The Prophet - March/April 2022 March / April | Page 21

Ukraine Invasion Slams US Economy

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The Russian invasion of Ukraine is undeniably a horrible event, and it is affecting the world on many levels. On a humanity level, it seems as if this conflict is unnecessary and an example of eastern aggression. Women and children are being required to evacuate, while men are being forced into the military for combat. Countries all over the world are also being affected, but in a different way, in their pockets.

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What has happened in Ukraine? For months, Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, promised he would not invade Ukraine. However, this spring, Russian forces moved into Ukraine by air, land, and sea. Russia claims the reason for the invasion is to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine, but the Ukranian president is Jewish and had relatives who perished during the Holocaust. President Biden has labeled President Putin a “War criminal." People all over the world have united to support Ukraine through fundraisers and on social media with the hashtag “#prayforukraine."

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Here in the US, people have felt the invasion through their pockets. Just a few weeks ago, gas prices were in the high two dollars to low three dollar range. Now, gas prices have skyrocketed and are upwards of four dollars. How has this happened so quickly? An article from Reuters.com explains, “Global supply chains, still not recovered from the pandemic, are now facing further disruption and cost inflation due to airspace closures which are affecting the air freight industry." Before the jump in gas prices, economic experts were already estimating the impaxt of the Urkranian situation on the global economy. Food and gasoline probably will cost more, and the supply chain issues that have bedeviled the economy for the past two years likely will persist or even intensify (CNBC.com). Now, people will have to budget even more and be aware of how they travel.

This is another slap in the face for the world. Coming off of COVID-19, it is sad to see subsequent devasting event take place. Hopefully, this conflict can be settled quickly so the world can go back to what people truly crave, regularity. 

By: Chad Thomas '22