Fuelling the Fire

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has been going on since 2022, has experienced massive escalations over the years and in 2025. It is one of the longest and most devastating regional wars in history and it has shown no sign of halting. Both Russia and Ukraine are adamant for the other one to surrender. Ukraine carried out a large-scale drone attack today, targeting Russian military airbases. The operation reportedly destroyed more than 40 Russian Aircrafts, according to reports. 

Meanwhile, explosions caused two Russian bridges to collapse, interrupting transport and resulting in casualties. In retaliation, Russia conducted a counter drone attack against Ukraine, sending 472 drones; a record number for a single night. In addition to this, missile strikes were also conducted.

These incidents took place just before the scheduled peace talks in Istanbul. Notwithstanding the negotiations, the two countries have increased military activities, pointing to divergences and no indication to cease. The war has claimed more than 1.2 million lives and still poses severe global consequences. The Russian-Ukrainian war that started in 2022 has had severe impacts on global economics as well as international affairs. What began as a local war has escalated to a long and devastating conflict with major international implications. Economically, the war has unsettled global energy and oil supply. Europe, which is largely dependent on Russian gas, experienced an energy crisis, causing prices to rise.

Food markets have been hit as well. Ukraine and Russia are two of the globe's largest wheat, corn, and sunflower oil exporters. When war devastated agriculture and shipping lanes in the Black Sea, several nations that depended on such exports—particularly in Africa and the Middle East—ran short. The conflict underscores the dependence of nations and the long reach of regional wars The simultaneous increase in food and energy prices has driven global inflation higher.

Central banks around the world, including the US, UK, and India, increased interest rates in an attempt to curb it. The war has also resulted in significant shifts in global relations. Western nations have been very much in favour of Ukraine, providing economic assistance, arms, and intelligence. Concurrently, they have slapped tough sanctions on Russia, blocking its access to global markets and financial systems. This has resulted in Russia looking to other nations such as China, Iran, and North Korea for trade and military aid.

NATO bases, the Western alliance of military forces, have become more powerful since the start of the war. Finland and Sweden, who had bases to maintain neutrality for decades, joined NATO to protect themselves against potential Russian aggression. NATO has also deployed its military to bases near Russia's borders, further increasing tensions.

In return, Russia and her new friends have begun to establish tighter military and economic bonds. Nations such as China are purchasing greater amounts of Russian oil and gas, and discussions of cooperation in the fields of technology and defence have been discussed.

The conflict has caused numerous nations to reconsider their supply and defence chains. Nations are presently attempting to become more autonomous in areas such as food, fuel, and arms. Asian nations, including Japan and South Korea, have raised their defence spending as a consequence.

In general, the Russia-Ukraine war has transformed the world in significant terms. It has reconfigured trade, heightened tensions globally, and made numerous countries ready for a less secure future. The longer the war continues, the more its consequences will be felt and it does carry the threat of a World War III.