Just to get it out there, I believe we all should #standwithUkraine, because no country should be attacked by another – politics aside. Because people are hurt and dying – as a physician, I can not support this kind of warfare. That said, the United States and the world have entered a dark time, and the end of this war is not in sight yet.
So what now? We know that no matter what happens with Russia and Ukraine in the coming days, weeks and months, the situation is dire. I am not going to go further into this issue here, except to say it breaks my heart to hear of the destruction, injuries and death. It is horrific for all people involved.
As some of you know, Jill and I predicted the supply shortages well before they happened with the COVID-19 Alpha strain in 2020. So once again, Jill has been doing some due-diligence to help us and our little farming operation anticipate potential impacts, and has come to the conclusion that we all need to be aware that more shortages and general economic hardships are likely on the way due to both the current economic situation and the Russia/Ukraine disruptions.
First things first. Let’s discuss what this Russia/Ukraine war might impact Americans.
Russia has the fifth-largest economy in Europe, the world’s eleventh-largest economy by nominal GDP (gross domestic product), and the sixth-largest by PPP (purchasing power parity). Here are the top 10 Russian exports:
- 1. Mineral fuels including oil: US$141.3 billion (42.1% of total exports)
- 2. Gems, precious metals: $30.4 billion (9%)
- 3. Iron, steel: $16 billion (4.8%)
- 4. Cereals: $9.5 billion (2.8%)
- 5. Machinery including computers: $8.3 billion (2.5%)
- 6. Wood: $8.2 billion (2.5%)
- 7. Fertilizers: $7 billion (2.1%)
- 8. Copper: $5.6 billion (1.7%)
- 9. Aluminum: $5.5 billion (1.6%)
- 10. Fish: $4.6 billion (1.4%)
Read full article by Robert Malone
