The Ukraine War has been raging for over six years with no end in sight. Its devastating impact has transformed the lives of Ukrainians and left rippled effects throughout its economy, politics, and society. Ukraine has lost close to thirteen percent of its population and approximately $150 billion worth of damage since 2014 alone. In addition to the immense economic implications, Ukraine’s political and social landscape has also been drastically changed by the war. This article will explore the Ukraine War and its impact on Ukrainian society and politics.
Consequences of the Ukraine War on Ukrainian Civilians
The Ukraine War has caused immense suffering and hardship amongst Ukrainian citizens. Civilian casualties, displacement, and economic loss have been ubiquitous in Ukraine since hostilities broke out in 2014.
Death and Injury
As of July 2020, the UN estimates that more than 13,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and a further 30,000 injured in relation to the conflict. This death toll is said to include approximately 2,500 civilian deaths since the beginning of this year. Such losses of life add up to a significant proportion of Ukrainian deaths, with the number seeing a sharp rise during escalations in the conflict.
Displacement
The effects of the war have been felt beyond direct conflict casualties, with 2.7 million citizens being internally displaced due to the conflict. Additionally, this displacement has led to an estimated one million Ukrainians seeking refuge abroad.
Economic Impact
The conflict has had a profound impact on Ukrainian’s economy. Ukraine’s GDP has decreased by 20% since 2013. Since the conflict began in 2014 real wages have fallen by 39%. Moreover, large portions of the population have been adversely hit by the devaluation of Ukraine’s currency and widespread price rises.
Impact on Ukrainian Politics
The Ukraine War has had far-ranging political ramifications in the Ukraine and internationally. Domestic politics reflects the divide between Ukraine and the separatists as a result of the War as well as resulting disagreements between Ukraine, Russia, and the West.
Relations with Russia
The Ukraine War has put great strain on Ukraine’s relations with Russia. Ukraine has fused with the West’s message that Moscow’s presence in the Ukraine is unlawful, an interpretation not recognized by Russia. Russia has denied providing direct aid to pro-separatist groups, however has continued its support for the rebels in Ukraine by providing financial and military aid. Conflict between the two nations continues to risk further international complications.
Western Support
The US and other Western nations have asserted their backing of Ukraine by providing economic, diplomatic, and military support. This support provides Ukraine with the financial aid and political backing it needs in its pursuit to end Russian interference in its territory. However, many have bemoaned a lack of concrete action against Russian aggression in the Ukraine.
Electoral Impact
The current president, Volodymyr Zelensky, was elected in an election in which the Ukraine War was largely seen as the primary issue by the Ukrainian electorate. He is the first Ukrainian politician since independence in 1991 to secure an absolute majority in the country’s first round of an election. Zelensky invested heavily in the issue of the Ukraine War and reinforced the need to implement a stable ceasefire.
Impact on Ukrainian Society
The Ukraine War has had long-reaching effects for Ukrainian society as a whole. These can range from prosperity to division.
Nationalism
The conflict has seen an emergence of Ukrainian nationalistic sentiment as a result of citizens feeling wronged by actions seen as Russian aggression. Furthermore, many Ukrainians have also expressed a more positive attitude towards the EU after the War. The Ukrainian population’s attitudes towards the war have been reflected in the surge of nationalism in recent years.
Political Split
The war has caused a deep political divide between those in favour of closer integration with Russia, and those in favour of equal footing more closely linked to the West. This split is reflected in insurgent activity and pro-Western demonstrations throughout Ukraine in the wake of the War.
Government Censorship
The government has been accused of using the issue of the War to silence contrary political opinions by invoking patriotism and national pride. Government censorship has mainly been expressed through the fear of domestic terror attacks, casting a shadow over many of Ukraine’s media outlets.
Remarks
Though it is difficult to identify accurate and conclusive figures due to their changing and dynamic nature, it is clear that the impact of the Ukraine War on Ukrainian society and politics has been immense. The War has caused large-scale displacement and financial loss, as well as drastically altered Ukraine’s domestic and foreign policies. The Ukraine War has led to an emergence of nationalistic sentiment and a deep political divide, as well as increasing government censorship. An end to the conflict will be essential to future stability in the Ukrainian region.
