I have read another article suggesting we not lose focus on Ukraine. I can't remember who.
One of the quirks of Western Society at least, is that we grow up not realizing that actions and non-actions taken on the other side of the world can have a greater effect than what's happening right in front of you. The idea that millions of factors that you can't see, or hear, or feel, from hundreds or thousands of miles away can affect your personal daily life is uncomfortable. We don't have nearly as much control as we like to think. By accepting this however, we can be more aware on a daily basis, and see oncoming shock disruptions before they actually hit us.
Take the war in Ukraine. Why does it matter to us? Why should we unconditionally support a modest size nation like Ukraine?
The first thing that comes to mind is that Ukraine produces more than its fair share of wheat and other basic grains. It is one of the breadbaskets of Europe. I believe a significant percentage of our wheat is imported into the United States from Ukraine. Could it be that one of Putin's objectives is to regain control of that wheat product to offset their over dependence on oil and gas exports?
Imagine the effect on bread prices for us in the United States. By how much would those prices rise should Putin control Ukranian grain? Would it double? Take anything that uses wheat or barley at all. Imagine paying $5 for one can of Bud Light.
Secondly, Putin seems to be obsessed with the dream of bringing back the entirety of the old Soviet Union. Right now, Ukraine stands in the way. If we let Putin succeed, what will happen to countries like Moldova, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Khasaskstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Armenia, Poland, Azerbaijan, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, North Macedonia and regular Macedonia, Serbia, Albania, Hungary (I think that's why Orban agreed to the 54 Euro aid package with the rest of the EU), and even the eastern third of Germany.
We really want to sacrifice half of Berlin again?
($5 for one can of.....Bud Light?!)
Imagine having to get involved in defending all of those countries instead of, for now, just Ukraine. Which is more long term fiscally responsible? The EU understands this.
As for official sources out of Moscow saying that their economy is humming along just fine, I trust that about as far as I can throw a potato chip.
I'd like to recommend a YouTube channel called Joe Blogs. His specialty is various world economies, and trade statistics. He is able to explain the complexity of world economics in a way even I can understand.
His latest YouTube video is "Putin's Policies are Ransacking the Russian Economy". This delves into the hidden effects all the sanctions, loss of international finance, and the exodus of Russia's best talents are having on the stability of the country from within, no matter what happens on the war front.
I'd like to upload the video direct, but I don't have a computer, and I don't know how to do it with an Android. Any advice on how to do that is welcome. I am always ready to learn. I will add these two links to Joe Blogs for anyone interested in getting introduced to that channel. Or just search Joe Blogs on YouTube.
Thank you.
Darn it, I forgot Turkmenistan!
patreon.com/JoeblogsYT
buymeacoffee.com/joeblogs