The war in Ukraine that began in 2014, especially after Russia’s actions in 2022, has had a significant global impact. Tensions between Russia and western countries created broad economic sanctions against Moscow, triggering an energy crisis and inflation in many countries. The sanctions include a ban on Russian oil and gas imports, leading European countries to look for alternative energy sources. The global energy sector is experiencing dramatic changes due to high energy prices, leading many countries to switch to renewables, accelerating the global energy transition. In this context, countries such as Germany and France are investing more in renewable energy to reduce dependence on Russia. On the other hand, a food crisis also emerged. Ukraine is known as one of the world’s leading wheat producers. The war has disrupted food supply chains that already span the globe, causing a spike in international food prices. Countries that traditionally depend on Ukrainian wheat exports, such as countries in Africa and the Middle East, are feeling the impact the hardest, triggering the threat of famine in some locations. International responses to this conflict have been mixed. NATO countries, led by the United States, provide military and humanitarian support to Ukraine, including arms shipments, training, and funds. On the other hand, Russia is trying to strengthen its influence in countries by accelerating the development of military infrastructure. International forums have also become a place for debate about the legitimacy of Russia’s actions. The UN held an urgent meeting to condemn the invasion, while some countries remained neutral, such as India and China. Unity among western countries is visible in the form of strong sanctions, although there are challenges in implementing them, with some countries still trying to maintain diplomatic and economic ties with Russia. Meanwhile, the social impact in Ukraine is very worrying. Thousands of civilians became victims, while millions more were forced to flee to neighboring countries. This poses a major challenge for host countries, such as Poland, which is experiencing a surge in refugee populations. This war also prompted influential geopolitical changes in international relations. Several countries that previously preferred a non-aligned approach are starting to orient towards Western allies, signaling a significant shift in global alliances. In many ways, the war in Ukraine is not just about a regional conflict, but is a starting point for changes in the global order, where issues of security, energy and food are interrelated and influence situations in all corners of the world. Governments in various countries must now reconsider their foreign policy strategies to face the new realities that have emerged as a result of this conflict.
