There is no doubt that the coronavirus outbreak has gravely impacted every aspect of social, economic, and health matters, anything that centers human beings in the world.
Most importantly, the loss the world experienced in terms of financial and economic aspects will take decades to recover.
Just as the world was trying to regain the economy and restore the well-being of people, the Ukraine-Russia war came as a big blow, jeopardizing not only the economy but also human security.
The war between Russia and Ukraine began on 24 February 2022 and is still ongoing; nobody knows the fate of the war.
Predictions about the Russia-Ukraine conflict ending have proven wrong, as it is almost a two-year battle.
Russia claims success in the war, and the Ukrainian government makes similar claims.
Regardless of the war’s outcome, it is evident that Ukrainian people face serious difficulties in managing their day-to-day lives.
It can easily be said they are defeated, devastated, and many of them are dead.
The USA has already shifted its attention and support to Israel, meaning Ukraine is strategically weaker, which may benefit Russia.
Reports indicate that more than 30,000 Ukrainian troops died in the Russian invasion.
According to the New York Times, citing unnamed US officials, the number of Russian and Ukrainian troops killed or wounded since the beginning of the war is nearly 500,000.
The source estimates that Russian casualties would be around 300,000, including 120,000 deaths and about 180,000 injuries, while Ukrainians were close to 70,000 and 120,000 wounded.
Although both countries have not disclosed the exact figures, the numbers are frustrating.
Moreover, the UN, the organization tasked with restoring peace in the world, is severely criticized for not playing its role.
What about the world leaders and people of the world? All are part of the failure.
Russia attacked Ukraine, citing Ukraine’s desire to join NATO.
On the other hand, Ukraine wanted to join NATO to avoid attacks or protect itself from Russian aggression with the help of NATO members.
Ironically, joining NATO to avoid being attacked seems to be ‘the cause’ for being attacked, as the war began.
Ukraine is being assisted by the European Union, USA, Canada, providing arms and support.
Ukraine is backed by many countries and receives help in terms of arms, food, shelter, and more.
According to the Kiel Institute for World Economy (a German research institute), the Biden administration has provided humanitarian, financial, and military support worth more than $75 billion.
Ukraine lost 30-35% of its GDP in 2022, leading to the country’s largest economic recession.
Additionally, the Ukraine war has a major effect on global markets and food supply, as this country feeds about 400 million people worldwide.
Russia is also facing financial difficulties, with its GDP falling by 11% by the end of 2022, accompanied by a 13.9% increase in inflation.
The federal budget deficit is increasing rapidly, and the manufacturing sectors have seen a decline of 1.7% per year since 2022.
It is expected that Russia will be in a serious economic crisis next year.
The USA vetoed a UN Security Council demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the war between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza, although 13 members voted in favor of the brief draft resolution put forward by the United Arab Emirates, while the UK abstained.
The question is, how long will this assistance from the EU and USA continue?
The Israel and Hamas crisis has deepened the problem of building a peaceful world, and Ukraine is now receiving less attention from the USA.
The USA has already shifted its attention and support to Israel, meaning Ukraine is strategically weaker, which may benefit Russia.
Moreover, Republican senators blocked a White House request for $106 billion in emergency aid for Israel and Ukraine.
As soon as the Israel-Hamas crisis began, the total shift from the Ukraine-Russia war is to the Middle East.
Although Hamas lit the fire for the crisis, Israel declared war against Hamas, intensifying human suffering in Gaza.
More than 17,000 people died, including the displacement of thousands of Palestinians.
The Israel army violated the Vienna Conventions by attacking hospitals, resulting in a huge death toll for those seeking to survive.
It is an ironic fact that after the UN resolution was rejected, Israel increased the level of bombardment, killing more unarmed civilians in Gaza.
Although the UN is trying its best to restore peace in Gaza, it has failed.
Even the Secretary-General invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, formally warning the Security Council of the global threat from Israel’s war on Gaza.
The USA vetoed a UN Security Council demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the war between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza, although 13 members voted in favor of the brief draft resolution put forward by the United Arab Emirates, while the UK abstained.
This means Israel’s attacks will continue, causing more casualties in Gaza, and Israel will also need more financial support and war weapons from the USA.
It is an ironic fact that after the UN resolution was rejected, Israel increased the level of bombardment, killing more unarmed civilians in Gaza.
Whatever the situation is in Ukraine and Gaza, there is no sign of the wars stopping in these two areas in the near future.
People in these areas are absolutely ill-fated as they do not know the fate of wars. But they can easily understand their miseries.
Every peace-loving person in the world is very empathetic but undone when powerful countries engage them in war.
Will Ukrainians be able to enjoy their 2023 Christmas? What about the Palestinians?
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