Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine has caused a host of economic, political, social, and legal problems. The war has become a challenge for world leaders, who have been forced to adapt to new conditions and adjust the situation in their countries. The irreversible consequences of the military conflict, which has exacerbated the global economic crisis, are already evident.
Today, on the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, I have prepared for you, dear readers of my blog, relevant information with specific figures and statistics on how a war in one country can change the world order. No one will be left untouched—it will affect everyone.
Food sector
Ukraine is known worldwide for its fertile lands and deservedly bears the title of “Breadbasket of Europe.” Before the war, 55% of the territory was used for agriculture.This allowed the country to become one of the key players in the international market and enter the top ten largest exporters. Sunflower oil accounted for about 40% of exports, sunflower seeds for 27%, barley for 5%, wheat for 3%, rapeseed for 3%, and corn for 2%.
After the start of full-scale war, grain exports from Ukraine fell sharply, triggering a global food crisis and even threatening famine in some countries. In Germany, for example, according to an analysis by the Federal Statistical Office, prices for imported grain rose by 53.6% in March 2022. The cost of imported wheat and barley increased by 65.3%, and corn by 34.7%.
Some leading countries are already looking for replacements for Ukrainian grain, but there are few alternatives so far. According to Bloomberg, the war in Ukraine is forcing companies to look for other sources of sunflower oil.
“The war in Ukraine is already prompting companies to seek alternatives to sunflower oil, and this shift in trade flows is likely to also include corn, which is mainly used as animal feed. Ukrainian non-GM corn accounts for about half of EU imports. According to the Center for Food Safety, 92% of corn in the US is GM, with similar levels in Brazil.”
According to the Kyiv School of Economics, more than 400 million people worldwide depend on Ukrainian grain supplies. The main buyers of Ukrainian wheat and corn are countries in the Middle East and North Africa. In recent years, the level of malnutrition and acute hunger in these regions has reached a critical point. Due to food shortages, 19.4 million people in Indonesia, 11 million in Bangladesh, 5.9 million in Ethiopia, and 699,000 in Libya are on the brink of survival.
Economics and finance
The economic consequences of Russia’s aggression are being felt around the world. Continued military and financial support for Ukraine, as well as the massive influx of refugees, have accelerated the decline in GDP in various countries. The International Monetary Fund forecasts “historically low growth” for the global economy while the war continues. In 2023, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated:
“Global growth in 2022 fell by almost half, from 6.1% to 3.4%. And this slowdown will continue this year”.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has published a disappointing forecast based on a survey of 1,500 economists and experts. According to the WEF, global GDP growth will be only 3.3% in 2025. Some countries are trying to stabilize their economies and restore previous performance levels, but the protracted war in Ukraine is making this a long-term process—it could take decades to fully recover.
Legal sphere
In the context of armed conflict, human rights are under threat: civilians are suffering, infrastructure is being destroyed, and Russia is systematically ignoring the norms of international humanitarian law. When the right to life, security, and dignity becomes a luxury, the protection of human values must be a priority for the state, society, and each of us.
On May 25-26, 2024, a meeting of the Center for Civil Liberties (Центру громадянських свобод) was held in Kyiv, where the scale of crimes committed by Russia was discussed. Human rights activist Olga Salenko stated:
“According to data from the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, as of May 2, approximately 130,000 crimes of aggression and war crimes have been recorded. Most of them are war crimes classified under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine”.
Systematic ethnic cleansing, mass deportations of minorities from occupied territories, terrorizing the civilian population, and genocide against the Ukrainian people must be punished. This requires an international tribunal for Russian war crimes, and all those involved in these crimes must be brought to justice.
Protecting human rights and freedoms is the foundation of security for citizens of any country. Only the timely punishment of criminals can guarantee that such atrocities will not be repeated in the future.
The war in Ukraine has exposed global problems in the world order that cannot be ignored. For three years, thanks to the support of Europe, the US, Canada, the UK, Switzerland, and other allies, Ukraine has continued to fight for its borders, democracy, and independence, preserving its culture and national identity. Much blood has already been shed not just for territory, but for the right to be free, for the cultural identity and traditional values of the Ukrainian people.
We are sincerely grateful to everyone who supports Ukraine: for weapons, financial aid, hospitality, humanity, understanding, and generosity. For giving us not only resources, but also the opportunity to live, learn, work, and develop. This war has made us stronger, united us, and proven that only together can we defeat any enemy!
Слава Украине!
