Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. This aggression has been ongoing since 2014 and has ties back to the ending of the Soviet Union in 1991 with Russia questioning Ukraine’s right to be an independent country. As Russia continues to assault its neighboring country, many Ukrainians are fleeing their homes and the people of Ukraine are struggling to survive as they understand that the Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s goal is the destruction of their nation. In response to the unprovoked invasion, most Western nations including the United States have imposed strong economic sanctions against Russia and have issued humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.

Here in the United States, we are even experiencing some unexpected events as a result of the war with negative impacts on the global food supply chain. Ukraine has closed all ports until the end of the invasion causing prices of food to raise across the board as they are major players in the world’s wheat production. We will also likely see incremental costs continue to rise as the processing costs for all food and drink products from baby food to beer will also rise. I am not sure that anyone knows the long-term effects the war against Ukraine will have.

It poses more questions than it does answers. What is Russia’s End Game? At this time, it is hard to imagine what the exit strategy is. How long can Ukraine sustain continued attacks from Russia? How long will the people be able to fight against their neighbors and relatives? What will the Russian propaganda do to the people and how will it shape their beliefs and their continued support?